Hu vows closer African co-op

By Li Xing (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-02-16 20:07

Dar es Salaam: China will enhance the cooperation with African countries to weather through the difficulties brought about by the global financial and economic crisis, President Hu Jintao said Monday.

"During times of adversity, it is all the more important for China and Africa to support each other, work in concert and tide over the difficulties together," Hu told an audience of more than 1,200 college students, professionals and people from industry, business and other sectors at the welcoming rally in Tanzania's capital.

During his speech, Hu acknowledged that China has encountered many difficulties in its economic development.

But he said that his country’s primary task is still "to maintain steady and relatively fast economic growth".

The array of policy measures China has rolled out to boost domestic demand and promote economic growth "will not only lend a strong impetus to China's economic development but also stimulate world economic growth," he said.

Hu reiterated the pledge he has made since he arrived in Mali last Thursday that China will continue to increase assistance to Africa and cut debts owed by African countries as the country's ability permits.

"We will continue to be actively involved in UN peacekeeping operations in Africa and play a constructive role in addressing conflicts and hot-spot issues and maintaining peace and security in Africa," he said.