Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Jordan from December 12 to 16, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

Wang is expected to hold talks with his counterparts "to exchange views on bilateral relations, the situation in the Middle East and major issues of common concern".

Beijing has strengthened its trade and diplomatic relations with the Middle East in recent years.

"China expects that through this visit, it can consolidate political mutual trust with the three countries," foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said. (AFP, Xinhua)