At the invitation of Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Mahmoud Mohamed Nazef, Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor, President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou-nguesso, Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, South African President Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki, Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council left Beijing by special plane on the morning of June 17 for official visits to these countries.

Main members of the Premier's entourage include Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Minister of Agriculture Du Qinglin, Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai, Minister of Health Gao Qiang, Deputy Secretary-General of the State Council Zhang Ping, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission Zhu Zhixin and Director of the Premier's Office Qiu Xiaoxiong.