President Hu to visit US in April

    Chinese President Hu Jintao will pay a state visit to the United States in April, Qin announced.

    "At the invitation of U.S. President George W. Bush, Hu will pay a state visit to the United States in mid or late April," Qin said.

    During his visit, Hu will exchange views with Bush on Sino-US relations and important international and regional issues of common concern, Qin said.

    China and the United States are making preparations for the visit and China will officially release the news on Hu's visit at a proper time, Qin said.

    Hu's visit is decided on the basis of the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries last year, Qin said. "The purpose is to enhance mutual trust, expand common understanding and advance the development of Sino-US constructive cooperation in 21st century."

    China, US to hold 1st consultation on Latin American affairs

    US Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Thomas Shannon will visit China in mid-April to discuss Latin American affairs, Qin said.

    Shannon comes to China at the invitation of Zeng Gang, head of the department of Latin American affairs under the Foreign Ministry, Qin said. This will be the first consultation between the two countries on Latin American affairs.

    The two sides will exchange views on respective relations with Latin American countries, their policies on Latin America, situation in that region and their respective cooperation with Latin American nations.

    The consultation, part of the China-US strategic dialogue, will help increase understanding and trust between the two sides, Qin said.

    In recent years, Qin said, China and Latin American countries have witnessed rapidly growth in relations because they are all developing countries, who have common interest in peace and development.

    The development of China-Latin America relations accord with the world trend of seeking peace, development and cooperation, and is in the interest of all countries. It doesn't target any third party and will not infringe upon the interest of any other country. It will promote world peace, stability and common development, Qin said.

    China is willing to exchange views with the US side on Latin American situation and respective cooperation with Latin American nations, he said.