BEIJING  -- China will continue its role as a staunch supporter of Africa's development, President Xi Jinping said Tuesday.

"No matter how international landscape may change, China will continue to support and promote Africa's efforts to achieve peace, stability, prosperity and development, seek strength through unity and participate in international affairs on a basis of equality," Xi said.

Xi made the pledge in a joint interview with Xinhua and media outlets from the other four BRICS countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa, ahead of his first overseas visits since he took office.

Both China and Africa are of the developing world and share broad common interests. The two sides enjoy all-around and mutually beneficial cooperation, Xi said.

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