BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the Republic of Korea (ROK) at the invitation of ROK President Park Geun-hye from July 3 to 4, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang announced Friday..

"President Xi's visit bears great significance as leaders of the two countries will further outline and promote bilateral cooperation, " Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told a regular press briefing on Friday.

As a close neighbor of the Korean Peninsular, China has an objective and fair stance, committed to peninsular peace and stability. China supports improvements in south-north relations and has maintained friendly and cooperative ties with both sides, Qin said.

"China is willing to work with the ROK and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to advance China's relations with the ROK and DPRK," Qin said. "It is in the interests of the three countries and contributes to regional peace, stability and prosperity."

China and the ROK have achieved considerable results in bilateral cooperation since diplomatic relationship were established in 1992. China and the ROK enjoy great potential for cooperation, Qin said.

Increased trust and cooperation will benefit the two peoples and is important to regional peace, stability and prosperity, the spokesman said.