Chinese president arrives in Cameroon, kicking off African tour

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-31-2007 13:45

Chinese President Hu Jintao and his wife Liu Yongqing wave to welcomers after their arrival at the airport in Yaounde, capital of Cameroon, Jan. 30, 2007. Hu arrived here on Tuesday starting his state visit to Cameroon.

Chinese President Hu Jintao has arrived in the Cameroonian capital of Yaounde, kicking off his 8-nation Africa tour.

Cameroon is the first stop on Hu's eight-nation tour. He's also going to Liberia, Sudan, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique and Seychelles.

The Chinese President arrived in Yaounde Tuesday night.

Cameroonian Prime Minister Ephraim Inoni greeted Hu Jintao and the Chinese delegation at the airport.

It is Hu Jintao's first visit to the west African country. In his written speech released at the airport, Hu said he looks forward to talks with his Cameroonian counterpart, Paul Biya.

It is Hu Jintao's third official visit to the African continent since becoming China's president in 2003. The trip is also his first overseas mission of 2007.

The president's main objectives are to deepen traditional friendship and to see in person that the 8 commitments reached during the Beijing Summit are carried out. Those commitments include reducing debt, cutting tariffs on African imports, increasing aid and investment, and improving vocational training.

The Beijing Summit was endorsed by both sides as a foundation for a new strategic partnership.

En route to the Cameroonian capital, the Chinese President stopped over in Dubai, where he met with Vice President and Prime Minster of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed.

China is the world's biggest developing country. And Africa-- the biggest developing continent. This gives rise to bonds beyond friendship. With one third of the world's population, China and the African nations believe their ever expanding relationship will not only benefit their peoples, but will help to bring peace and stability of the world.

Editor:Du Xiaodan