Chinese President Hu Jintao Sunday continued his visit in Tanzania and held talks with his Tanzanian counterpart Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete on boosting the traditional friendship between China and the East African nation.  

"Despite changes in the international arena, China-Tanzania ties have developed in a sound and smooth way since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1964," Hu told Kikwete.

"It can be viewed as an exemplary relationship of sincerity, solidarity and cooperation between China and an African country and between two developing countries," he said.

Hu suggested that both countries enhance political exchanges, deepen political trust and step up cooperation in trade, culture, education and public health.

On China-Africa ties, Hu said China "will keep its promise, not reduce aid to Africa and urge the international community to honor their aid commitment to the continent."

China would take a comprehensive, balanced, progressive and pragmatic approach to reform the international financial system, including increasing African and developing countries' representation and voice in this reform, Hu added.

Hu, making his first state visit to Tanzania, was accorded a 21-gun salute before inspecting a Tanzanian guard of honor at the welcoming ceremony earlier Sunday.

The ceremony was held in Karimjee Hall, thronged by a large number of Tanzanians who greeted the Chinese leader by playing drums and trumpets, clapping their hands and waving flags.

Major streets in the capital were also festooned with the national flags of both countries and banners that read "Welcome President Hu" and "Long Live China-Tanzania Friendship." Some local people wore costumes and shirts featuring Hu's pictures.

Several cooperation agreements were signed after the talks between the two leaders.

Later Sunday, Hu met with President Amani Abeid Karume of Zanzibar.

Hu said China will encourage businesses with strong capacities to invest in Zanzibar, and support efforts by the Zanzibar government to promote economic and social development and improve the livelihood of its people.

Also on Sunday, Hu, in an interview with Tanzanian State Television and Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV, said he reached new consensus with African leaders during his ongoing visit to the continent.

"During my African visit, I had in-depth discussions with leaders of related countries on bilateral relations and issues of common concern, and we reached a number of new and important consensus,"

This is Hu Jintao's sixth visit to Africa and his second since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2006.

As a sincere friend of Africa, China will actively support African countries in developing their economies, improving livelihood and strengthening cooperation, he said.

"China will fully and punctually implement measures agreed at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, seek China-Africa pragmatic relations and promote the further development of our new strategic partnership," Hu said.  

Before the interview, Hu attended the completion ceremony of Tanzania's state stadium and paid tribute to a cemetery for Chinese experts who worked and died in Tanzania.

Tanzania is the fourth leg of Hu's week-long trip. The five-nation tour, Hu's first overseas trip in 2009, has taken him to Saudi Arabia and Mali and Senegal. He will also visit Mauritius before flying back home Tuesday.

(Xinhua News Agency February 16, 2009)