Xi set to visit three countries in Middle East

President Xi Jinping will start a visit to the Middle East next week, marking his first official trip to the region since taking office, it was announced on Friday.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in a written statement that Xi will visit Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iran from Tuesday to Saturday.

Observers said that after the conclusion of the visit, Xi's footprints worldwide will cover all major destinations on six continents.