On February 13, 2009, visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with his Senegalese counterpart Abdoulaye Wade in Dakar. The two leaders reached important consensus on developing bilateral ties in the new situation and strengthening communication and coordination on major international and regional issues.

Hu said the bilateral relations have made progress in various fields since the resumption of diplomatic ties in 2005, with economic and trade cooperation projects being actively implemented and mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of fishery, agriculture and infrastructure construction advancing steadily. Both sides have witnessed increasing cultural and educational cooperation and maintained coordination and cooperation in international affairs. Facts have proved that the China-Senegal friendship is in the fundamental interests of both nations and will have a promising future.

Hu pointed out that China cherishes its friendly cooperative relations with Senegal and deems Senegal an important cooperative partner of China in Africa. China is ready to work with Senegal to strengthen pragmatic cooperation in all areas and seek more tangible benefits for both peoples. Hu raised a four-point proposal on the development of bilateral ties. First, keep exchange of high-level visits and deepen political trust. Hu urged both sides to continue maintaining close contacts between the leaders of the two countries and increase communication and cooperation between the governments, legislatures, ruling parties and local authorities of the two countries, so as to lay a solid political foundation for bilateral ties. Second, advance trade cooperation and take advantage of each other's strength. Hu suggested establishing a bilateral economic and trade steering committee to plan and monitor trade cooperation. China would like to facilitate Senegalese corporations' efforts to do business in and expand their exports to China, and the Chinese government will encourage Chinese businesses and the China-Africa Development Fund to cooperate with Senegalese businesses, Hu said. Third, enhance humanities exchanges and deepen friendship. Hu called on non-governmental organizations in both nations to increase exchanges. He also urged both sides to carry out multiple forms of cooperation between the youth and women’s organizations, news media and academic institutions to enhance mutual understanding. Fourth, keep closer cooperation on multilateral affairs and safeguard common interests. Hu said China values the positive role that Senegal has played in African and international issues, and would like to step up consultation and coordination with Senegal in the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and other organizations, in a bid to safeguard the legitimate rights of developing countries and to promote South-South cooperation and South-North dialogue.

Hu also appreciated Senegal’s adherence to the one-China policy.

Hu emphasized that currently the international financial crisis is still spreading. Despite some difficulties in China’s economic growth, China will keep its promise made at the Beijing Summit of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum in November 2006 and will not reduce its aid to Africa as a result of China's efforts to address the global financial crisis. China will urge the international community to pay attention to the difficulties the crisis has brought to Africa, maintain aid input to Africa and increase Africa's representation and voice in reforms of the international financial system, Hu said, adding that China would like to further communicate and coordinate with Senegal and other African countries to tide over the crisis.

Wade sincerely thanked for President Hu’s visit. He said he was satisfied with the bilateral cooperation since the resumption of diplomatic ties as China has fully honored its commitments and China-aided programs have been going on smoothly. He appreciated China's generous support for Senegal in the sectors of infrastructure, agriculture, culture, education and public health. The Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was of great significance to the development of the African continent. African countries appreciate China’s important contributions to the continent’s economic and social development, said Wade. He also expressed satisfaction with Senegal-China cooperation on international and regional issues.

Both sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues.

After the talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of a number of cooperation deals.

On the evening of the same day, President Hu attended a welcoming banquet held by President Wade. Hu also met with the staff of the Chinese Embassy in Senegal and representatives from Chinese-funded institutions and overseas Chinese.

Ling Jihua, Wang Huning and Dai Bingguo attended the above activities.