On February 14, 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in the Tanzanian capital of Dar es Salaam for a state visit to the eastern African nation, the fourth stop of Hu's five-nation "journey of friendship and cooperation".

At 22:00 local time, President Hu’s special plane arrived at Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport, where he was warmly greeted by Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.

In a statement released upon arrival, Hu said Tanzania has a reputation as an “oasis of peace” in the African continent. In recent years, under the leadership of President Kikwete, Tanzania has been steadily advancing its various economic and social reforms and forging ahead with determination, with gratifying results achieved in economic and social development and the improvement of its people’s livelihood. Tanzania has been committed to promoting regional peace and stability and the integration process, and has actively participated in the African affairs, he said, praising the country’s important contributions to peace and development of Africa and the world at large.

Hu pointed out that the traditional friendship between China and Tanzania was jointly forged by the older generations of the leaders of both countries. The bilateral relationship has been developing in a sound and smooth way since 45 years ago when the diplomatic ties were established. "It can be viewed as an exemplary relationship of sincerity, solidarity and cooperation between China and an African country and between two developing countries," Hu said.

The president said his visit is aimed at enhancing mutual trust, expanding cooperation, planning for the future and lifting the friendly and cooperative relations to a new high. Hu said he is expecting an in-depth exchange of views with President Kikwete and other Tanzanian leaders on the bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest. He expressed hope that the visit will make contributions to enhancing China-Tanzania traditional friendship, deepening bilateral friendly cooperation and promoting common development.

Hu’s entourage including Ling Jihua, Wang Huning and Dai Bingguo arrived by the same plane.

Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Liu Xinsheng, the embassy staff and representatives from Chinese-funded institutions and overseas Chinese also greeted Hu and his delegation at the airport.

President Hu flew into Dar es Salaam from the Senegalese capital of Dakar, after concluding his state visit to Senegal. Upon his departure from Dakar, Hu attended a grand farewell ceremony held by President Wade at the airport. Before his departure from Dakar, President Hu, accompanied by President Wade, inspected the construction site of the China-funded National Grand Theater in Dakar.

Tanzania is the fourth stop of Hu's five-nation tour. Earlier, Hu visited Saudi Arabia, Mali and Senegal. The week-long tour will also take him to Mauritius.