President Hu starts visit to Mauritius

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-02-16 23:54

PORT LOUIS -- Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived Monday in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, for a state visit aimed at enhancing bilateral friendship and cooperation.

He was greeted at the airport by Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.

President Hu Jintao (R) and Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam review a guard of honour upon the visiting Chinese leader's arrival in the Mauritian capital Port Louis, February 16, 2009. [Xinhua]

"The China-Mauritius relationship has become a model of solidarity and cooperation between two developing countries," Hu said in a statement released upon his arrival.

The two countries have carried out fruitful cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, culture, education and tourism since they forged diplomatic ties in 1972, Hu said.

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His visit will enhance mutual understanding and trust, deepen the traditional friendship and promote mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Mauritius, said the Chinese president.

It will also help take China-Mauritius relations to a new high, Hu added.

During the visit, the last leg of his five-nation "journey of friendship and cooperation," Hu is expected to meet with Mauritian President Anerood Jugnauth and hold talks with Ramgoolam.

The two countries will sign a number of cooperation documents during Hu's two-day visit.

Hu flew into Port Louis from Dar es Salaam, after paying a state visit to Tanzania. He earlier visited Saudi Arabia, Mali and Senegal.