Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva left Brasilia Friday for a state visit to China to strengthen bilateral relations.

The Brazilian head of state, who described his trip to China as the most important of his administration, will arrive in Beijing Saturday. The visit is due to end on May

27.

His entourage includes Foreign Minister Celso Amorin, Development Minister Fernando Furlan, Planning Minister Guido Mantega, and Finance Minister Antonio

Palocci, the Foreign Ministry said.

The other ministers that comprise the delegation are Roberto Rodrigues of agriculture, Eduardo Campos of science and technology, Walfrido Mares of tourism and Dilma Dousseff of mining and energy.

A delegation of more than 400 businessmen will also travel with the president to seek business opportunities in China.

Brazil is China's largest trade partner in Latin America, and China is Brazil's fourth largest trade partner, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

On Sunday, Lula will open the offices of the state-run oil company Petroleos de Brazil in the Chinese capital.

After the visit, Lula will travel to Mexico to attend the 3rd summit of Latin America and the European Union.

Source: Xinhua