China supports the enhancement of sub-regional co-operation in Africa and the further consolidation of unity on the continent through the creation of the African Union.

President Hu Jintao made this remark Wednesday when meeting visiting Comoros President Azali Assoumani.

Highly praising relations between China and the Union of the Comoros, Hu said bilateral relations have been developing smoothly since the forging of diplomatic ties 28 years ago. The two countries have also had fruitful co-operation in various fields over the years.

Azali arrived in Beijing Wednesday for a six-day state visit, his first to China.

The Union of the Comoros is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, located at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel and between Madagascar and Mozambique. It gained independence from France in 1975.

China was the first country to build diplomatic ties with the Comoros.

On development in Africa, Hu said as a result of history and reality, many African countries face economic difficulties and that regional conflicts still continue in some areas on the continent.

However, Hu stressed that peace and development are the main themes, adding developing relations with African countries is always an important part of China's foreign policy.

Hu also briefed Azali on the follow-up activities of the China-African Co-operation Forum.

Echoing Hu's comments on the situation in Africa, Azali said China's efforts to safeguard world peace and the legal rights of weak countries have won support and appreciation from all African nations.

On bilateral relations, Hu expressed China's thankfulness to the Comoros' adherence to the one-China policy and China's reunification, saying China also supports the Comoros' efforts to safeguard its independence, sovereignty and recover its economy.

Hu congratulated the Comoros for its successful settlement of conflicts between ethnic groups and its smooth presidency election in spring.

Meanwhile, Hu said China appreciates the Comoros' peaceful foreign policy, adding China hopes the two countries will jointly explore new ways to enhance bilateral co-operation.

Azali said China's selfless economic and medical assistance to his country have won the wide respect and appreciation of the Comoro people.

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