Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) meets with his Senegalese counterpart Abdoulaye Wade in Dakar, capital of Senegal, Feb. 13, 2009. [Xinhua/Rao Aimin]

Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with his Senegalese counterpart Abdoulaye Wade in Dakar on Friday to discuss promotion of friendly and cooperative ties between China and the West African nation.

Hu said the bilateral relations have made progress in various fields since the resumption of diplomatic ties in 2005, and facts have proved that the China-Senegal friendship is in the fundamental interests of both nations and will have a promising future.

To cement bilateral cooperation and seek more tangible benefits for the two peoples, Hu proposed both nations keep exchange of high-level visits and deepen political trust, and increase communications and cooperation between the two governments, legislatures, ruling parties and local authorities so as to lay a solid political foundation for bilateral ties.

On the economic front, Hu suggested establishing a bilateral economic and trade steering committee to plan and monitor trade cooperation.

China would like to facilitate Senegalese corporations' efforts to do business in and expand their exports to China, and the Chinese government will encourage Chinese businesses and the China-Africa Development Fund to cooperate with Senegalese businesses, Hu said.

Hu called on non-governmental organizations in both nations to increase exchanges, seek multiple forms of cooperation and enhance mutual understanding.

On international issues, Hu said China values the positive role that Senegal has played in African and international issues, and would like to step up consultation and coordination with Senegal in the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and other organizations, in a bid to safeguard the legitimate rights of developing countries and to promote South-South cooperation and South-North dialogue.

Hu said China will keep its promise made at the Beijing Summit of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum in November 2006 and will not reduce its aid to Africa as a result of China's efforts to address the global financial crisis.

China will urge the international community to pay attention to the difficulties the crisis has brought to Africa and to increase Africa's representation and voice in reforms of the international financial system, Hu said, adding that China would like to further communicate and coordinate with Senegal and other African countries to tide over the crisis.

Wade said he was satisfied with the bilateral cooperation since the resumption of diplomatic ties as China has fully honored its commitments and China-aided programs have been going on smoothly.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R Front) is welcomed by his Senegalese counterpart Abdoulaye Wade (L Front) at the airport in Dakar, capital of Senegal, Feb. 13, 2009. Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in the Senegalese capital of Dakar on Friday for a state visit to promote friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries. [Xinhua/Ju Peng]

He appreciated China's generous support for Senegal in the sectors of infrastructure, agriculture, culture, education and public health.

After the talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of a number of cooperation deals.

Senegal was the third leg of Hu's five-nation tour. The first-ever visit by a Chinese president was warmly welcomed by local people, with the streets from the airport to downtown Dakar being lined up with Chinese and Senegalese flags and welcoming crowds.

(Xinhua News Agency Feburary 14, 2009)