Chinese President Hu Jintao's upcoming state visit to Senegal is of important diplomatic significance, Foreign Minister Chiekh Tidiane Gadio said in Dakar Tuesday.

Gadio, also state minister, told Xinhua in an interview that bilateral ties have developed rapidly since the two nations resumed diplomatic relations in 2005.

The rising China is playing an increasingly important role in the diplomatic field and Senegal's development needs China's help, Gadio said.

Gadio said China has cooperated with African countries in many fields. China has helped Senegal rehabilitate its stadium and established the National Grand Theater in Dakar, the Museum of Black Civilization and the Pikine Pediatric Hospital.

In addition, Chinese agricultural experts have made great contributions to ensuring food self-sufficiency in Senegal while Chinese medical teams and enterprises also joined many projects.

China is an indispensable cooperation partner for Senegal, Gadio said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 11, 2009)