Chinese President Hu Jintao's coming visit to Sudan is "historic" and will help raise bilateral ties to a new high, Sudanese Minister of Information and Communication Al-Zahawi Ibrahim Malik said on Tuesday in Khartoum.

Speaking to the Chinese press, Malik said that President Hu's visit due on Feb. 2-3 was of significance, because he will be the first head of state of China to visit Sudan since the establishment of Chinese-Sudanese diplomatic relations 48 years ago.

"We think that by this visit, we are able to strengthen our ties and to make President Hu feel that not only the Sudanese government but also the people of Sudan at large are keeping a very good feeling toward our friends in China," Malik said.

He said that although the trip was short, President Hu would have the chance to witness fruitful cooperation between the two countries.

The minister said that for its part, Sudan will show its people that "China is supporting us in different fields, not only in the field of oil, but also in all fields of development."

He said that Sudanese-Chinese ties were "very strong in different fields," and China was not only supporting Sudan in the economic field for the sake of take-off of the Sudanese economy, and but it was also "a good and strong supporter" of Sudan in the political domain concerning obstacles facing Sudan in the course of the peace process in the largest African country.

China also helps Sudan in the health field and Chinese medical teams are working in Sudan, the minister said, adding that they have done a lot in serving local people in many parts of Sudan, including rural areas.

"We will advocate this, we will show the Sudanese people what we are doing with the Chinese people," he said, adding that Sudan is grateful for China's help.

He said that President Hu's visit also shows that China places importance on its ties with Sudan. "We are striving to be the best friend of China in the African continent."

He said that the West was against Sudan for its own interests and agendas, adding "we think China is always supporting Sudan for the welfare of peace, the welfare of development and the welfare of a peaceful settlement to all the problems (in Sudan)."

"This is a very genuine stand for the Chinese government in support of Sudan, because China has no any special agenda concerning these matters," he said.

He said that the bridges constructed by China in Sudan were not only the connection for transport, but also the connection for friendly feeling of the Sudanese people toward the Chinese people.

Source: Xinhua