Chinese President starts state visit to Mali

The visit is aimed at consolidating friendship, deepening cooperation, dealing with challenges and seeking common development, Hu said.

Hu will also attend the inauguration of a Chinese bridge construction aid project in Bamako and the opening ceremony of a China-aided anti-malaria center, and meet with Chinese medical workers in the country.

China and Mali have maintained frequent high-level visits in recent years.

President Toure attended the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in November 2006, and the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games in August 2008.

Cooperation between the two countries has expanded in economy, trade, culture, education, medical and health.

Trade between China and Mali hit more than 200 million U.S. dollars in 2008, according to official figures.

From 1968 to 2008, China has sent more than 670 medical workers to Mali and treated about 3 million local patients.

Mali was the second leg of President Hu's first overseas trip in 2009, which has been described as "a journey of friendship and cooperation."