Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing will pay a visit to a few countries in the Middle East region late next month.

This was announced by Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan at a regular press conference Tuesday afternoon, just a couple of days after Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas wrapping up his China visit.

However, it is yet to fix the specific countries that Li will visit and also, the detailed trip plans, Kong said.

He expressed the belief that Li's forthcoming visit to the Middle East countries will further deepen China's understanding of these nations.

"The two sides will have in-depth exchanges of views on the Middle East situation, so as to make concerted efforts to promote peace in the region," the spokesman said.

Kong said China is very concerned about the current situation there. "On the one hand, China sees some positive signs; on the other hand, it notes some difficulties in restarting the Middle East peace process."

"As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China will, as always, work with the international community to play constructive role in restarting the peace process," Kong added.

From May 17 to 19, Abbas paid a state visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao. During the visit, Abbas discussed with Chinese leaders the latest development of the situation in the region.