Visiting President Hu Jintao said in Pretoria Tuesday that Africa is an important force in international affairs.

Hu made the remarks at a welcome banquet held in his honor by South African President Thabo Mbeki.

China and Africa share common positions and enjoy a tradition of good cooperation on a wide range of major international issues, President Hu said, adding that the enhancement of bilateral coordination in international affairs serves the common interests of both countries.

"We stand ready to work together with African countries to safeguard the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, increase the representation of African countries on the UN Security Council and strengthen our coordination and cooperation in the UN and other multilateral organizations," he said.

China always maintains that the aspirations of African countries to seek peace and development should be respected, he said, urging the international community to pay more attention to the issue of Africa's development and increase input in the continent.

The common destiny binds the Chinese and African peoples together, he said. He suggested China and Africa deepen all-round cooperation and make unremitting efforts for the development of a new type of China-Africa strategic partnership and the construction of a harmonious world featuring long-lasting peace and common prosperity.

Hu arrived here earlier Tuesday from Windhoek after concluding a state visit to Namibia.

Hu is currently on an eight-nation African tour that has already taken him to Cameroon, Liberia, Sudan, Zambia and Namibia. He will also visit Mozambique and Seychelles.

(Xinhua News Agency February 7, 2007)