Hu vows to enhance ties with Africa

Chinese President Hu Jintao (2nd R, f), who is greeted by Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (1st R, f), shakes hands with a child upon his arrival at the airport in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, February 14, 2009.

DAR ES SALAAM -- Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday called on China and Africa to enhance mutual trust and political, economic and trade ties.

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 here attended by people from various sectors.

China firmly supported 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.he 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 reduction and development, he said.

China appreciates Africa's desire to increase its representation and voice in reforming the global financial system and supports the AU's participation in the upcoming G20 financial summit in April in London.

The president also noted that China was ready to enhance coordination with Africa in jointly promoting the development of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

China is ready to strengthen institutional building of the forum and bring into full play its role of giving political guidance to the overall China-Africa relations, he said.

Speaking highly of the relationship between China and Tanzania, Hu said China-Tanzania relationship has become "a model for both China-Africa and South-South cooperation."