BEIJING — Foreign Minister Wang Yi is to pay an official visit to Australia and New Zealand from Feb 7-10 at the invitation of his Australian and New Zealand counterparts Julie Bishop and Murray McCully.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang made the announcement in Beijing on Feb 3.

During his visit, Wang will co-host the fourth round of China-Australia diplomatic and strategic dialogue with Bishop, hold talks with McCully, and meet leaders of the two countries, Lu said.

“We hope the visit will help cement political trust, expand cooperation and boost the China-Australia and China-New Zealand all-around strategic partnerships,” Lu said.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of China’s diplomatic ties with Australia and New Zealand.