On February 8, 2007, Chinese President Hu Jintao flew into the Mozambican capital of Maputo to continue his eight-nation Africa tour, which is described as a journey of friendship and cooperation.

At 11:20, local time, Hu's special plane arrived at the Maputo International Airport. Hu Jintao and his wife Liu Yongqing were warmly welcomed at the airport by Mozambican President Armando Emilio Guebuza, Parliament President Eduardo Mulembwe, Prime Minister Luisa Diogo and other officials. Guebuza held a grand ceremony at the airport to welcome Hu's state visit to Mozambique.

In a written statement released at the airport upon arrival, Hu said that the Mozambican people are diligent, brave and peace-loving. After the country gained independence, the Mozambican government and people have actively explored ways suitable to its national conditions. With its endeavor to seek national unity, state stability and economic development, Mozambique has made noteworthy achievements, he said. He also commended the contribution made by Mozambique for peace, stability and prosperity in Africa.

Hu said that the Chinese and Mozambican peoples forged deep friendship during the country's liberation struggle and the national construction after its independence. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 31 years ago, the bilateral friendship fostered by the older generations of leaders has been continuously cemented and developed with fruitful achievements scored in exchanges and cooperation in the areas of politics, economy, trade and social development, he said. Both sides have also maintained close coordination and cooperation in international affairs, said Hu, adding that Mozambique is a good friend, partner and brother of China.

Hu emphasized that his current visit to Mozambique is aimed at consolidating Sino-African traditional friendship, implementing the results of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) last November, and expanding pragmatic cooperation for common development. "I, along with the Mozambican side, will draw the blueprint for the future of our relations," he said. Hu noted he looked forward to exchanging in-depth views with Mozambican leaders on bilateral ties as well as other major issues of common concern. Hu expressed belief that this visit will help deepen the bilateral traditional friendship and push the ties to a new level.

State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and other accompanying officials arrived by the same plane.

Chinese Ambassador to Mozambique Hong Hong and other staff of the embassy also greeted the Chinese delegation at the airport.

Hu flew into Maputo by special plane after concluding his visit to South Africa.

Mozambique is the seventh leg of his eight-nation trip to Africa, which has already taken him to Cameroon, Liberia, Sudan, Zambia, Namibia and South Africa. He will also pay a state visit to Seychelles.