BEIJING, July 8 -- At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau will pay a state visit to China from July 9 to 13, foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced on Monday.

During the visit, Xi will host a welcoming ceremony and a banquet for Embalo and the two heads of state will hold talks, Lin Jian, another spokesperson for the foreign ministry, told a press briefing on Monday.

Premier Li Qiang will also meet with Embalo, Lin said.

Lin noted that the Chinese people firmly supported the people of Guinea-Bissau in their struggle for national independence and liberation in the 1970s.

In recent years, the two countries have firmly supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests, conducted cooperation in economic and social development, maintained communication and coordination in international affairs, and continuously scored new achievements in friendly relations, Lin said.

It is believed that this visit will inject strong impetus into deepening relations between China and Guinea-Bissau and promoting bilateral friendly cooperation, he added.