China and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are expected to sign an agreement on nuclear safety, as the UN nuclear watchdog's chief, Yukiya Amano, visits China.

The two sides will boost cooperation in personnel training and nuclear safety in East Asia and across the world, according to a draft of the agreement.

During his meeting with Amano Monday morning in Beijing, Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang said China attaches great importance to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and nuclear safety.

"China has been enhancing its nuclear safety work and has strictly fulfilled its obligations concerning nuclear non-proliferation while actively participating in international cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and safety," Zhang said.

Zhang and Amano, a Japanese diplomat who took over charge of IAEA in December 2009, pledged to promote exchange and cooperation between China and IAEA.

The visit to China is Amano's first since he became the IAEA's director general.