On February 14, 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao left the Senegalese capital of Dakar for Tanzania after concluding a state visit to Senegal, the third leg of his five-nation trip.

Hu had talks with his Senegalese counterpart Abdoulaye Wade. Both sides reached important consensus on developing China-Senegal relations in the new situation and strengthening communication and coordination in major international and regional issues. Hu pointed out that China cherishes friendly cooperative relations with Senegal and deems it an important partner in Africa. The two leaders agreed to enhance pragmatic cooperation in all sectors, and seek more tangible benefits for both peoples.

During the visit, the two countries signed several cooperation documents.

The resumption of diplomatic ties between China and Senegal in October 2005 opened a new page in bilateral relations. In the past three years, bilateral friendly cooperative relations have been developing smoothly with fruitful cooperation in politics, diplomacy, economy, trade, public health, education and agriculture.

Senegal is the third leg of President Hu’s current journey of friendship and cooperation to five Asian and African countries. Apart from Senegal and Tanzania, Hu will also visit Mauritius. He has already visited Saudi Arabia and Mali.