Tanzanian and South African diplomats on Monday expressed their expectations after it was announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit their countries later this month.

Philip S. Marmo, Tanzania's embassador to China, said Xi's visit will promote the friendly relationship between the two countries, which has been developing for a long time.

Exchanges and cooperation have developed in politics, culture and the economy over the past decades. More and more companies from Tanzania have been doing business with Chinese companies, and Chinese companies are also investing in Tanzania, Marmo said.

Agreements are expected be reached in the fields of agriculture, industry, energy and infrastructure, among others, during the visit, he said.

Thembinkosi Gcoyi, economic counsellor of the South African Embassy in Beijing, said Xi's visit is significant, considering South Africa is among the first countries he will visit after being elected.

"I'm very hopeful that Xi's visit will indeed contribute to strengthening the bilateral relationship," said Gcoyi, adding that the visit will be beneficial for both countries.

Xi will pay state visits to Russia, Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of Congo from March 22 to 30, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said Monday.

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