Diplomats from African nations in Beijing have spoken highly of President Hu Jintao's ongoing visit to the continent, saying it shows that China values relations with African countries.

 

Hu is now in Nigeria, part of a trip that has seen him visit Morocco and will take him on to Kenya.

 

It is his second trip to Africa since he took office in 2003. He visited Egypt, Gabon and Algeria in January and February 2004.

 

Cote d'Ivoire's newly appointed ambassador Coffie Alain Nicaise said Hu's visit is of great political significance, adding that his country hopes to be included in Hu's next African trip.

 

He said Cote d'Ivoire attaches great importance to the Sino-African Forum and the summit of Chinese and African leaders to be held in Beijing in November, and would send high-level officials to attend the meetings.

 

Coffie expressed the hope that the forum established in 2000 as a platform for China and African countries to expand political links and economic cooperation would yield substantial results.

 

Egyptian Ambassador to Beijing Mahmoud Allam described Hu's visit as of "very good timing" as this years marks the 50th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between China and Africa.

 

China established diplomatic relations with Egypt at ambassador level in 1956, which kicked off diplomatic relationship between the world's largest developing country and Africa, home to many developing nations.

 

Allam said Hu's visit is to confirm China's commitment to enhancing friendship and cooperation. He said he is very glad that Premier Wen Jiabao will visit a series of African nations in June, and that his first stop will be Egypt.

 

He also noted that China has always rendered assistance to the best of its capability to African countries.

 

(China Daily April 28, 2006)