The Gambia’s President Adama Barrow is set to begin a seven-day state visit to China today, aiming to strengthen relations between the two countries.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying confirmed the expected arrival of Barrow, saying it was on the invitation of President Xi Jinping.
The Gambia and China resumed diplomatic relations in March 2016 after ties had been severed for 21 years.
Barrow becomes the first Gambian president to visit Beijing since the two countries resumed ties.
During the visit, President Xi is expected to hold a welcoming ceremony and a banquet for the African leader.
The two will hold talks and attend a signing ceremony of cooperation documents.
Hua said Barrow will also visit southern Chinese cities of Xiamen and Guangzhou.
