Chinese president arrives in Mauritius for state visit

Source: Xinhua | 02-17-2009 11:36

PORT LOUIS, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived Monday in this Mauritian capital for a state visit aimed at enhancing bilateral friendship and cooperation.

He was greeted at the airport by Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.

"The China-Mauritius relationship has become a model of solidarity and cooperation between two developing countries," Hu said in a statement released upon his arrival.

His visit will enhance mutual understanding and trust, deepen the traditional friendship and promote mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Mauritius, said the Chinese president.

It will also help take China-Mauritius relations to a new high, Hu added.

During the visit, the last leg of his five-nation "journey of friendship and cooperation," Hu is expected to meet with Mauritian President Anerood Jugnauth and hold talks with Ramgoolam.

The two countries will sign a number of cooperation documents during Hu's two-day visit.

He left Dar es Salaam earlier Monday after wrapping up a state visit to Tanzania.

Also on Monday, Hu delivered a key-note speech on China-Africa ties at a welcoming rally attended by people from various sectors in Tanzania.