Visiting President Hu Jintao said in Pretoria Tuesday that
Africa is an important force in international affairs.
Hu made the remarks at a welcome banquet held in his honor by
South African President Thabo Mbeki.
China and Africa share common positions and enjoy a tradition of
good cooperation on a wide range of major international issues,
President Hu said, adding that the enhancement of bilateral
coordination in international affairs serves the common interests
of both countries.
"We stand ready to work together with African countries to
safeguard the purposes and principles of the United Nations
Charter, increase the representation of African countries on the UN
Security Council and strengthen our coordination and cooperation in
the UN and other multilateral organizations," he said.
China always maintains that the aspirations of African countries
to seek peace and development should be respected, he said, urging
the international community to pay more attention to the issue of
Africa's development and increase input in the continent.
The common destiny binds the Chinese and African peoples
together, he said. He suggested China and Africa deepen all-round
cooperation and make unremitting efforts for the development of a
new type of China-Africa strategic partnership and the construction
of a harmonious world featuring long-lasting peace and common
prosperity.
Hu arrived here earlier Tuesday from Windhoek after concluding a
state visit to Namibia.
Hu is currently on an eight-nation African tour that has already
taken him to Cameroon, Liberia, Sudan, Zambia and Namibia. He will
also visit Mozambique and Seychelles.
(Xinhua News Agency February 7, 2007)
