China is expected to sign economic and trade cooperation agreements with five Middle East countries during Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing's upcoming tour of the region, said a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Tuesday.

Li will pay an official visit to Jordan, Palestine, Israel, Syria and Lebanon from June 17 to 26, during which he will discuss bilateral relations and international and regional issues with leaders of the five nations, said spokesman Liu Jianchao at a regular press conference.

China and the five nations have maintained sound relations and cooperation in all fields has witnessed new progress, Liu said, expressing the belief that Li's visit will further promote the relationships.

Source: Xinhua