国内英语新闻:Commentary: Chinese leaders make shining success of foreign visits

BEIJING, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The recent visits by Chinese leaders to 15 countries and the European Union (EU) have proved extremely fruitful, promoting China's traditional friendship with them and boosting people's confidence regarding the future amid the ongoing global financial crisis.

Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and Vice President Xi Jinping paid visits to several countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America during the first month of the Chinese lunar year, which lasts from Jan. 26 to Feb. 24.

Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao addresses a welcoming rally attended by people from various sectors in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Feb. 16, 2009

    Their tours were warmly welcomed and highly praised by governments and media of the countries visited by the Chinese leaders.

    Meanwhile, China and the United States carried out their maiden communication after U.S. President Barack Obama took office on Jan. 20, 2009. The talks were constructive and expected to boost bilateral ties and help tackle global challenges.

    Chinese President Hu carried out state visits to Saudi Arabia, Mali, Senegal, Tanzania and Mauritius from Feb. 10 to 17.

Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) talks with Saudi Arabian King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz during their meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 10, 2009

During the visits, Hu comprehensively expressed China's views and stances on ways to deal with the financial crisis, emphasizing that the international community should take note of, and make all efforts to reduce, the crisis' impact on developing countries, especially those lowest on the development ladder.

    He also said China would like to strengthen cooperation and take coordinated action with developing countries and the entire world community to meet current challenges.

    The president reached a broad consensus with African leaders on the means to further boost bilateral cooperation, steadfastly implement measures to aid Africa made at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in November 2006 and deepen the new China-Africa strategic partnership.

    Hu made a six-fold proposal to develop China-Africa ties under the current situation, saying the Chinese have always cherished their traditional friendship with Africa and regard Africans as all-weather, trustworthy and dependable friends, and would like to be the African people's brothers and partners for ever.

    The leaders of Mali, Senegal, Tanzania and Mauritius said Africa-China ties are a prime example of friendly cooperation among nations, adding that Africa is willing to promote cooperation with China and boost bilateral ties.