Former US president confirmed for welcome dinner address

George W Bush is to be the keynote speaker at this year's Boao Forum welcome dinner. Bush, the 43rd president of the United States, is making his first visit to China since leaving office last January in order to attend the event.

The ex-president will discuss his time in office and his thoughts on the current economic situation at the high-level event on April 18. He is also expected to give attendees an insight into his thoughts on the future and field questions from many of the invited officials.

Bush is among five former foreign leaders who will be attending the meeting. They will be joined by 11 foreign leaders still currently in office. These include three presidents, seven prime ministers and one vice prime minister.