New Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Africa for the first time since becoming leader of the Asian country.

The 59-year-old officially became President of China this month.

According to a statement issued by China’s Foreign Ministry, Mr Xi will pay a state visit to Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of Congo.

Prior to the three African nations visit, Mr Xi will make a stop in Russia to meet the country’s President Vladimir Putin.

“At the invitation of President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of the United Republic of Tanzania, President Jacob Zuma of the Republic of South Africa and President Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, President Xi Jinping will pay state visits to the above four countries,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Qin Gang announced in the statement.

President Xi Jinping trip starts March 22-30, 2013.

The Chinese government also confirmed that Mr Xi will attend the fifth BRICS Leaders Meeting in Durban, South Africa.