Beijing, Mar 19 (IANS): Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Tuesday that China will adhere to the path of peaceful development.

"China will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development. In the meantime, we hope all countries in the world will pursue peaceful development," Xinhua quoted Xi as saying.

China, as its strength grows, will assume more international responsibilities and obligations within the scope of its capabilities and make greater contribution to world peace and development, Xi said during a joint interview by Xinhua and media outlets from the other four BRICS countries ahead of his first foreign visits as Chinese president.

China hopes that countries and civilizations around the world will carry out exchanges on the equal footing, learn form each other and achieve common progress, added Xi.

The Chinese president also urged all countries to make united efforts to build a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity.

The Chinese foreign ministry announced Monday that Xi will visit Russia, Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of Congo March 22-30 and attend the fifth BRICS summit March 26-27 in Durban, South Africa.

Following his election as general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee in November, Xi was elected president of China during the first session of the 12th National People's Congress last week.