Beijing, Jul 2 (IANS): Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah will pay a state visit to China and attend the opening ceremony of the eighth ministerial meeting of China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) in Beijing from July 7 to 10, it was announced on Monday.

The Kuwaiti Emir is visiting China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang.

Xi will hold a welcome ceremony and banquet for the Kuwaiti Emir. The two heads of state are scheduled to hold talks, witness signing of documents and attend the opening ceremony of the eighth ministerial meeting of CASCF on July 10, Lu was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.

Kuwait was one of the first countries in the Gulf region to establish diplomatic relations with China, Lu said, adding that the two countries' relations have undergone rapid development in recent years.

The two countries understand and support each other on issues concerning mutual core interests and major concerns, he said, adding that Kuwait was one the first countries to sign a cooperation document with China on jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative.