China welcomes Mali to showcase its civilization and arts in the 2010 Shanghai Expo, Hu said.

Hu also pledged to continue to offer help in personnel training and provide Mali with medicines and equipment to fight malaria.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (C) and Malian President Amadou Toumany Toure (L) review the honor guard during a welcoming ceremony in Bamako, Mali, on Feb. 12, 2009. [Xinhua]

On international affairs, Hu said China will urge the international community to pay greater attention to Africa's development and help the continent attain the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

On his part, President Toure said his people cherished their friendship with China, which is sincere, consistent and durable.

Toure also appreciated China's long-term assistance for his country, which he said played an important role in promoting Mali's economic and social development and improving people's livelihood.

Looking to the future, Toure said his country will strengthen solidarity and friendly cooperation with China.

He said that Mali will, as always, adhere to the one-China policy.

Following their talks, the two leaders signed cooperative deals and gave a briefing to the media.

During his two-day stay in Bamako, Hu will meet with President of the Malian National Assembly Dioncounda Traore.

Hu is also scheduled to attend the inauguration of a China bridge construction aid project in Bamako and the opening ceremony of a China-aided anti-malaria center, and meet Chinese medical workers in Mali.

From Mali, Hu will travel to the three African countries of Senegal, Tanzania and Mauritius.

(Xinhua News Agency February 13, 2009)