On February 14, 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Senegalese Senate Speaker Pape Diop in Dakar.

Hu said despite the distance keeping the two countries apart, both peoples have shown mutual understanding and support for each other, laying a firm foundation for the development of bilateral ties. Since the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2005, bilateral ties have been developing rapidly. The two countries have enjoyed sincere friendship and equality and their cooperation in the areas of politics, economy, trade, culture, education and public health has been advancing steadily, Hu said. The two sides have also maintained sound coordination and cooperation in international affairs. China appreciates Senegal’s adherence to the one-China policy. Hu said during the visit, he had a very fruitful meeting with Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade. The two leaders mapped out the direction for the future development of bilateral ties, agreed on the key fields for cooperation and signed five cooperation documents, he said. China is ready to maintain close coordination with Senegal and implement the outcome of the visit at an early date for the benefit of both peoples.

Hu pointed out that the legislative bodies of the two countries enjoy a history of friendly exchanges. The National People’s Congress (NPC) of China and the Senegalese parliament have maintained exchanges of visits between their leaders. Since the resumption of diplomatic ties between the two countries, the NPC and the Senegalese parliament have established bilateral friendship groups respectively. China is willing to enhance coordination and cooperation between the two parliaments in all forms, he said. Efforts should be made to promote bilateral exchanges in legislative practice, democratic and legal construction and state governance so as to push forward bilateral ties, added Hu.

Diop, for his part, spoke highly of the development of bilateral ties since the two countries resumed diplomatic ties in 2005. He thanked for China’s assistance to the implementation of Senegal’s many key projects. Noting China is among the most important cooperation partners of Senegal, Diop said the Senegalese Senate will give its full support to decisions by the two heads of state on boosting bilateral ties. The Senate will also support efforts to promote bilateral cooperation in politics, economy, trade, culture and education.

Ling Jihua, Wang Huning and Dai Bingguo attended the meeting.