Beijing, Aug 23 (IANS): Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi will pay a state visit to China from Aug 28 to 30 at the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei Wednesday.

This visit will be Morsi's first visit to China since taking office. China attaches great importance to the visit, Xinhua quoted Hong as saying.

The spokesperson noted that the Chinese leaders will hold talks and meetings with the Egyptian president to exchange views on bilateral ties, international and regional issues of common concern.

The two sides will sign a series of cooperation documents during Morsi's visit, Hong said, adding that he believes that the visit will further promote the development of bilateral friendly cooperative relations under the new situation.

Egypt was the first Arab country and the first African country to establish diplomatic relations with China, the spokesman said, stressing that bilateral ties have seen long-term healthy and stable development ever since.