Chinese president's African tour to implement eight measures of cooperation

Eight African countries will be the first destinations for Chinese President Hu Jintao to visit in 2007, following up the China-Africa Beijing summit in November last year.

Hu would aim to implement the agreements reached during the Beijing summit, including eight measures to benefit African countries, said Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun on Wednesday.

During his tour, Hu will attend exchange activities mainly in the cultural, economic, trade and public health fields, Zhai said.

The president will attend three inaugural ceremonies, namely China-Liberia Malaria Prevention Center, the China-Zambia economic cooperation region and a pilot program for agricultural technology in Mozambique.

"Through these activities, we fulfil our commitments in providing aid and investment to Africa," he added.

Starting from Jan. 30, Hu will visit Cameroon, Liberia, Sudan, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique and the Seychelles, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced Tuesday.

"The forthcoming visits are significant in promoting friendly cooperation between China and Africa and cementing friendship with Africa," Zhai said.