Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir said on Sunday that a forthcoming visit by President Hu Jintao to Sudan will be a culmination of the bilateral relations.

Hu's state visit to Sudan "will culminate the bilateral relations and the distinguished partnership between the two countries in the political, economic and social fields," said a statement issued by the Sudanese presidency.

"The Presidency of the Republic hails the friendly Chinese people who have remained effectively supporting the relations between the two countries," the statement added.

It said that the Sudanese-Chinese relations have been characterized by continuous development, which has enabled China to contribute effectively to the social and economic development in the various areas of Sudan.

It also referred to the support and help provided by China for the electricity projects in the Sudanese cities and towns and the development of the Sudanese petroleum industry, which has effected a qualitative shift in the Sudanese economy.

Hu is to pay a two-day state visit to Sudan from February 2, during which he will hold meetings with the Sudanese president and other senior officials on the bilateral relations as well as other issues of common concern.

(Xinhua News Agency January 29, 2007)