Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will pay official visits to Russia and Kazakhstan from October 27 to 31, and attend relevant meetings, announced Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang Tuesday.

Qin said Wen is invited by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Vladimirovic Putin and Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Masimov. During his stay in Russia, Wen will attend the 13th regular meeting between Chinese and Russian prime ministers.

During his visit in Kazakhstan, Wen will attend the 7th prime ministers' meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member countries scheduled in Astana.

Wen will exchange views with leaders of the two countries on promoting bilateral relations, enhancing mutual trust, expanding reciprocal cooperation in various fields as well as international and regional issues of common concern, Qin said.

The premier will also discuss with his SCO counterparts on implementing the consensus reached in SCO Dushanbe summit and strengthening their cooperation in such areas as economy and culture.

According to Qin, China will sign a series of important agreements on cooperation during Wen's two-nation tour.

(Xinhua News Agency October 21, 2008)