President Hu meets Malian President

Highlighting almost half a century of friendship, Malian President Amadou Toumany Toure met with President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday as part of a five-day state visit to China.

Hu and Toure agreed on the importance of taking the friendship to new heights.

Hu said China values Africa and its foreign policy emphasizes unity and co-operation with African nations. This policy is highlighted by the China-Africa Co-operation Forum, an organization both presidents endorsed.

Premier Wen said China encourages domestic enterprises to invest in the western African country while the Chinese Government is ready to help Mali's economic development.

The gesture was welcomed by Toure, who said Chinese enterprises are encouraged to join Mali's economic construction.

The friendship between China and Mali goes back to 1960, when diplomatic relations were first established. In 1968, China began sending medical teams to Mali once every two years.

A scholarship programme set up by the Chinese Government encourages Malian students to study in China.

"I like China very much and have grown used to my life here," said Diallo, a Malian student who is majoring in coaching soccer at the Beijing Sports University.

"I think the relationship between China and Mali is good. And I propose a toast to the two countries."

The visit by Mali's president underscored joint projects that have been ongoing for decades.

One of them is a training centre where women can learn embroidery skills. The centre was set up by the Mali Children Foundation and funded by the China Light Industrial Corporation for Foreign Economic and Technical Co-operation.

The corporation has also worked with Mali's sugar manufacturing industry, to develop one of China's most fruitful aid projects in the country.