Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao started talks with his Gabonese counterpart, El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba, in Libreville Monday morning and the two leaders are expected to exchange views on their countries' relations and other issues of common concern.  

Hu will address the National Assembly of Gabon Monday afternoon to expound China's policy on developing and strengthening friendly ties with Africa.

President Hu arrived here Sunday afternoon for a three-day state visit to Gabon, the first by a Chinese head of state since the two countries established diplomatic relations 30 years ago.

Gabon is the third leg of Hu's four-nation tour, which has taken him to France and Egypt. The Chinese president will proceed to Algeria for a state visit after his stay here.

(Xinhua News Agency February 3, 2004)