On August 9, 2008, Chinese President Hu Jintao held a group meeting at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse with
Gabonese President El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba, Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos,
Mali's President Amadou Toumani Toure, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Joseph Kabila,
Madagascan President Marc Ravalomanana, Mauritian President Anerood Jugnauth,
Mozambican President Armando Emilio Guebuza, Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza and Chairman of the Commission of the
African Union Jean Ping, who are here for the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games.
Hu warmly welcomed these African leaders to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games and watch the games and thanked African people for their support to China's hosting of the Olympics.
Describing the Olympic opening as magnificent and spectacular, the African leaders attending the meeting said African people are proud of the Chinese people. They expressed belief that the games will be a great success.
Hu said China and Africa share a profound traditional friendship and China has gained long-standing support from African countries and people especially on issues concerning China's sovereignty, territorial integrity and other core interests. Hu emphasized that the Chinese government and people cherish the traditional friendship with Africa and attach importance to developing comprehensive cooperative relations with the continent. China will continue to enhance cooperation with African countries in all areas based on its Africa policy of sincere friendship, equality, mutual benefit and common development. China is ready to work with African friends to well implement the outcome of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2006 to lift China-Africa ties to a new level.
Hu pointed out that as a sincere friend of Africa, China is always paying close attention to the development of situation in Africa. He believed that as long as African countries remain united and cooperative and actively explore the development path suitable to their own realities, Africa will surely have a bright prospect for development with the strong support and assistance of the international community.
Gabonese President El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba addressed the meeting on behalf of all the leaders. He said for a long run the Chinese government and people have done a lot to Africa, which the African side will remember forever. He expressed hope that under the new circumstances, both sides will consolidate the traditional friendship, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and push for new outcome of Africa-China ties. 
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