FM highlights Hu's achievements during visit

By Li Xing (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-02-18 18:24

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi Wednesday highlighted four achievements President Hu Jintao made during his visit to Saudi Arabia and four African countries.

Yang spoke out to the reporters while meeting with reporters who traveled with the president to Saudi Arabia, Mali, Senegal, Tanzania and Mauritius. Hu returned to Beijing Thursday.

President Hu "accomplished what he set out to" on his five-nation "journey of friendship and cooperation," he said.

The following are the four achievements:

First, Hu repeatedly pledged that China will continue to increase its aid to Africa, reduce tariffs and expand trade with and investment in African countries, within China's capabilities.

Hu's pledge won appreciation from his Saudi and African counterparts, Yang said.

Second, Hu and the four African nations' heads of state and other leaders reached understanding on many important issues in which China and African countries can further their new strategic partnership, Yang said.

Third, Hu's visit made new headway in securing future collaboration that will benefit China and the five countries.

Finally, Yang said Hu's visit had given new impetus to people-to-people friendship.