Chinese president arrives in Dakar for state visit

Source: Xinhua | 02-14-2009 08:16

DAKAR, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in the Senegalese capital of Dakar on Friday on the first state visit to this western African country.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R Front) inspects the honor  guard at a welcome ceremony held 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/Rao Aimin)

Hu was received by his Senegalese counterpart Abdoulaye Wade at a welcoming ceremony at the airport.

In a statement issued upon arrival, Hu said both countries enjoy good friendship and the resumption of diplomatic ties helped the development of bilateral cooperation in politics, trade, culture, education and public health among others.

China and Senegal resumed diplomatic relations in October 2005,after the western African country severed ties with Taiwan.

In June 2006, President Wade visited China. Five month later, he attended the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.