Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to arrive in Saudi Arabia for a state visit according to the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The Chinese leader will arrive on Wednesday for only his third trip abroad since the coronavirus pandemic began and his first to Saudi Arabia since 2016.

Initial agreements worth $29.26bn will be signed during the bilateral summit, SPA said.

At least 14 Arab heads of state are expected to attend the China-Arab summit.

The visit comes as China looks to deepen its relationships with countries in the Middle East amid growing strains in its ties with the United States and other Western nations.