Chinese President Hu Jintao attends a welcoming ceremony held by his Malian counterpart Amadou Toumany Toure in Bamako on February 12.

Chinese President Hu Jintao, accompanied by Malian President Amadou Toumany Toure, reviews the honor guard.

On February 12, 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Bamako for his state visit to Mali, the second leg of his "journey of friendship and cooperation" to five Asian, African countries.

At 14:30 local time, President Hu’s special plane arrived at Bamako Senou International Airport, where he was warmly greeted by his Malian counterpart Amadou Toumany Toure.

Mali is a western African country with ancient civilization, Hu said in a statement released upon arrival. For a long period of time, the diligent and wise Malian people have being forging ahead with determination and achieved remarkable results in the cause of national development. The Chinese people sincerely wish the Malian people new and greater progress on the road ahead, said Hu.

"Friendship between both people goes back a long way as Mali was among the first African countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China," Hu said. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 49 years ago, the China-Mali traditional friendship has remained unshakable and become even firmer as time goes by. Both countries have engaged in fruitful cooperation in various fields. China cherishes its ties with Mali and would like to enhance the friendship and cooperation between both sides, Hu said.

"I look forward to exchanging in-depth views with President Toure and other Malian leaders on bilateral relations and international issues of common concern," Hu said. He expressed belief that with the joint efforts of both sides, the visit wiil surely achieve its goal of consolidating friendship, deepening cooperation, dealing with challenges and seeking common development.

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

Chinese Ambassador to Mali Zhang Guoqing and the staff of the embassy, as well as representatives from Chinese-funded institutions and overseas Chinese also greeted Hu and his delegation at the airport.

As President Hu, accompanied by President Toure, went by car from the airport to the hotel where he would stay, he was warmly welcomed by big crowds lining the main streets of Bamako. Hundreds of Malian people waving flags were festively singing and dancing, to show their profound friendship with the Chinese people.

President Hu flew into Bamako from the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh after concluding his state visit to Saudi Arabia.

Mali is the second leg of Hu’s current five-nation Asia-Africa tour, which will also take him to Senegal, Tanzania and Mauritius.