Chinese president vows to enhance mutual trust, political ties with Africa

Source: Xinhua | 02-16-2009 17:19

DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday called on China and Africa to enhance mutual trust and cement the political foundation for traditional friendship.

China is ready to have closer high-level exchanges with African countries and strengthen strategic dialogue through various consultation mechanisms, Hu said in a key-note speech at a welcoming rally attended by people from various sectors in the Tanzanian capital.

China firmly supports the efforts of African countries, the African Union (AU) and other regional organizations to safeguard state sovereignty and independently resolve African issues, Hu said.

China will continue to be actively involved in UN peacekeeping operations in Africa and play a constructive role in women, non-governmental groups, media organizations, and academic institutions of the two sides, and enhance human resources operation, he said.

The president also pledged to strengthen coordination with Africa in international affairs.

China will intensify cooperation with African countries in the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and other multilateral institutions, and jointly address such global issues as climate change, food security, poverty alleviation and development, he said.