China-Mali ties in continuous development

At the invitation of Malian President Amadou Toumany Toure, Chinese President Hu Jintao will make a two-day state visit to the country from Thursday. The visit is widely believed to significantly push forward China-Mali ties, expand pragmatic cooperation between the two countries and open a new chapter in bilateral friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1960, China and Mali have built up political trust and support toward each other.