Chinese, Malian presidents meet on bilateral ties

Source: Xinhua | 02-13-2009 07:53

BAMAKO, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Malian counterpart Amadou Toumany Toure met here Thursday for talks on deepening bilateral ties.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) meets with Malian President  Amadou Toumany Toure in Bamako, Mali, on Feb. 12, 2009.  (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

Chinese diplomats said Hu and Toure were expected to exchange views on strengthening the friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

Before the talks started, Hu, who arrived here earlier in the day on his first state visit to the west African nation, attended a welcoming ceremony hosted by the Malian president.

The two leaders are due to witness the signing of bilateral cooperative deals and meet the press after their talks, according to the itinerary.