BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega, Spanish first deputy prime minister and minister for the Prime Minister's Office, will pay an official visit to China from April 2-8 at the invitation of the Chinese government.

    Qin Gang, spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, made the announcement here Tuesday at a regular press conference.

    During her stay, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan will meet with Fernandez de la Vega, and confer on bilateral relations and issues of common concern.

    Fernandez de la Vega is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the "Year of Spain", a yearlong activity held in China, according to Qin.

    Besides Beijing, she will also visit Shanghai, China's economic hub, and Xi'an, capital of China's northwestern Shaanxi province.

    Qin said Sino-Spanish relations have been developing well in recent years, adding both countries have had frequent exchange of high-level visits, and set up a strategic partnership.

    The two countries also enjoy close cooperation in the fields of trade, culture, education, science and technology, the spokesman said.

    China and Spain will hold a series of activities this year, including the "Year of Spain" in China and a Chinese cultural festival in Spain, Qin said.

    "We believe such activities will help promote mutual understanding and further push forward bilateral ties," the spokesman added.