U.S., China to exchange president visits

BEIJING, May 15 (UPI) -- China's Foreign Ministry has announced that China and the United States will exchange presidential visits later this year, China Daily reported Sunday.

The ministry said Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing discussed the visits with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice by phone.

"They agreed to make good preparations for the two heads of state to visit each other within the year," the ministry statement said, adding that "efforts will be made to make sure the visits are successful."

The release said the two officials also discussed other issues of common concern.