Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian National Authority, will pay a state visit to China from May 17 to 19 at the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao made the announcement Tuesday at a regular press conference.

Abbas's upcoming visit purposed to brief the Chinese leaders on the latest development in the Middle East region, Liu said.

During his stay, Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao are scheduled to confer with Abbas for discussion on how to enhance the relationship between China and Palestine. The leaders will also exchange views on regional and international issues of common concern, Liu said.

The two sides will sign agreements relating to bilateral economic and trade cooperation, he added.