(File photo of Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski)

Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski says China and his country are ushering in a new era of cooperation.

Kuczynski made the comment ahead of a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Latin American country.

Xi is also scheduled to attend this year's APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting to be held a week from now in the Peruvian capital of Lima.

Kuczynski suggests there are many things China and Peru could do together.

"We want to open up new markets, especially in agriculture, in China. We are also interested in scientific and technological development and we hope China will provide scholarship programs particularly in engineering and science. In addition, cultural exchanges and cooperation in archaeology and climate change also mean a lot to us."

Kuczynski paid a five-day state visit to China two months ago, shortly after he was elected.

He says he attaches great importance to the forthcoming second bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping to be held in his own country.

"I think the meeting with President Xi for the second time is quite critical, in particular when the international economic structure is changing and brimming with uncertainties. Apparently, that will be a topic high on my agenda for the APEC meeting."

China and Peru established diplomatic relations 45 years ago.

Bilateral relations were lifted to comprehensive strategic partnership in 2013.

China is currently Peru's largest trading partner.

The Latin American country welcomed the arrival of the earliest Chinese immigrants back in the middle of the 19th century.