BEIJING -- China hopes the upcoming visit by Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri would further promote the relations between the two countries, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang on Thursday.

"We hope the two sides could have an in-depth exchange of views on the bilateral ties and the issues of common concern, "Qin told a regular press conference.

Kasuri will pay an official visit to China from March 18 to 21 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Li Zhaoxing.

The Chinese leaders are expected to meet with Kasuri, and two foreign ministers will hold talks, according to Qin.

He said China and Pakistan were good neighbors, and had maintained equal and reciprocal relationship.