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Hu meets Malian parliament leader
(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-02-14 14:03

Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao on Friday met with President of the Malian National Assembly Dioncounda Traore on deepening cooperation and friendship with the country.

Hu said Mali is the first leg of his African tour which displayed China's emphasis on developing relations with Mali. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 49 years ago, the peoples of China and Mali have built deep friendship.

Traore said China is a great friend of Mali. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Mali and China has developed relations in the spirit of solidarity, friendship and mutual respect.

Hu, during a meeting with his Malian counterpart Amadou Toumany Toure on Thursday, vowed to increase aid to African countries, cancel part of their debts and expand trade and investment.