Hu's visit heralds boost to Mali ties

BAMAKO: President Hu Jintao pledged China will work with Mali to deepen collaboration and jointly meet challenges while pushing for development in both countries.

He made the promise in a written statement after arriving in Mali's capital Bamako yesterday.

He will undertake a two-day state visit to the country from Thursday. The trip is widely expected to significantly push forward China-Mali ties, expand pragmatic cooperation between the two countries and open a new chapter in bilateral friendship.