A true friend of Africa

Counting this tour, President Hu Jintao has paid six visits to Africa, five of which were his first overseas tours of the calendar year.

Four took place after he became president in 2003.

Hu explained his affinity for Africa on his very first trip there in 1999 when he was still vice-president. He told his hosts China cherishes the friendship cultivated by generations of Chinese and African leaders. This time around, he reiterated that sentiment, promising the Chinese would forever value the traditional friendship and be Africa's trustworthy brother and partner.