Pacts mulled in president's visit to Central Asia

Trip will include bilateral talks with leaders of nations at regional organization's meeting

China will sign an array of cooperation agreements with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan during President Xi Jinping's state visits to the two Central Asian countries to further strengthen their ties, a senior diplomat said on Monday.

As an important outcome of Xi's visits, Beijing will also sign a joint statement with each country on furthering their comprehensive strategic partnerships, Vice-Foreign Minister Zhang Hanhui said at a news briefing.