China, Mali to boost bilateral ties

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On China-Mali ties, Hu said the two countries will usher in a new era of development as next year marks the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (C) and Malian President Amadou  Toumany Toure (L) review the honor guard during a welcoming  ceremony in Bamako, Mali, on Feb. 12, 2009. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Hu hailed the past 49 years of friendship as a "paradigm of south-south cooperation" and described the two nations as "good friends, partners and brothers."

To boost bilateral relations, Hu proposed that both nations continue high-level visits and increase exchanges between their governments, parliaments, militaries and non-governmental organizations.

On economic ties, Hu proposed that both sides step up coordination and carry out government-to-government cooperative programs.

Furthermore, the Chinese government would like to encourage and support Chinese businesses to invest in Mali.