On February 3, 2009, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu,during a regular press conference annouced that:

At the invitation of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, President Toure of Mali, President Wade of Senegal, President Kikwete of Tanzania, President Jugnauth and Prime Minister Ramgoolam of Mauritius, President Hu Jintao will pay state visits to the above five countries from February 10 to 17.

President Hu’s visit to Saudi Arabia and the four African countries is aimed at further consolidating and strengthening China’s friendly relations with the countries, promoting China’s collective cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council, translating into reality the achievements of the Beijing Summit of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, expanding the pragmatic cooperation between China and the five countries and promoting common development. During the visit, President Hu will hold talks and meetings with leaders of the countries, and exchange views on further strengthening China’s friendly relations of cooperation with the five countries and international and regional issues of common concern. It is believed that the visit will promote the in-depth development of China-Saudi Arabia strategic friendly relations and China-Africa new strategic partnership and further consolidate China-Africa traditional friendship.