BEIJING, July 12 (Xinhua) — At the invitation of Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong, Sudanese First Vice President Salva Kiir Mayardit will pay an official visit to China from July 17 to 22.

    Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang made the announcement Thursday at a regular press conference.

    Qin said Kiir will hold talks with Zeng and meet with other Chinese leaders. The two sides will exchange views on strengthening bilateral relations and other issues of common concern, including the Darfur issue.

    As Sudan had agreed on the deployment of a hybrid AU-UN peacekeeping force in Darfur, Qin said China hoped parties concerned would implement relevant agreement through consultation as soon as possible.