Hu vows closer African co-op

By Li Xing (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-02-16 20:07

Dar es Salaam: 皇冠体育app will enhance the cooperation with African countries to weather through the difficulties brought about by the global financial and economic crisis, President Hu Jintao said Monday.

"During times of adversity, it is all the more important for 皇冠体育app and Africa to support each other, work in concert and tide over the difficulties together," Hu told an audience of more than 1,200 college students, professionals and people from industry, business and other sectors at the welcoming rally in Tanzania's capital.

During his speech, Hu acknowledged that 皇冠体育app has encountered many difficulties in its economic development.

But he said that his country鈥檚 primary task is still "to maintain steady and relatively fast economic growth".

The array of policy measures 皇冠体育app has rolled out to boost domestic demand and promote economic growth "will not only lend a strong impetus to 皇冠体育app's economic development but also stimulate world economic growth," he said.

Hu reiterated the pledge he has made since he arrived in Mali last Thursday that 皇冠体育app will continue to increase assistance to Africa and cut debts owed by African countries as the country's ability permits.

"We will continue to be actively involved in UN peacekeeping operations in Africa and play a constructive role in addressing conflicts and hot-spot issues and maintaining peace and security in Africa," he said.