BEIJING, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao's coming visit to Africa is of great political significance, Cote d'Ivoire Ambassador to China Coffie Alain Nicaise said here Monday.

    President Hu Jintao is to pay state visit to Morroco, Nigeria and Kenya from April 24 to 29. This will be the second trip that Hu made to Africa since he became Chinese President in 2003. Hu visited Egypt, Gabon and Algeria between January and February in 2004.

    Coffie said the visit shows that China attaches priority to developing relations with African countries in its foreign policy.

    Coffie told a press conference held in the embassy that China has rendered firm support to African people in their struggle for national liberalization, development and rejuvenation of the continent. He said Cote d'Ivoire and other African countries have great expectations to the Sino-African Forum and the summit of Chinese and African leaders to be held in Beijing in November.

    Established in 2000, the Sino-African Forum serves as a platform for China and African countries to expand political links and economic cooperation in the new century.

    Coffie expressed the hope that the November meeting of the forum will yield substantial results that benefit both Chinese and African people.

    Coffie said Cote d'Ivoire and China share a bright future in widening bilateral cooperation. He welcomes Chinese companies to invest and set up businesses in his country.

    As Cote d'Ivoire struggled to advance peace process over the past few years, China has all along given its support to the country, Coffie said. Bilateral cooperation progressed smoothly in such fields as infrastructure, agriculture, trade, education, culture, finance and mining, he said.

    Coffie said bilateral relations have been excellent since the two countries established diplomatic ties 23 years ago. Mutual respect, understanding and trust have become pillars of relations between Cote d'Ivoire and China as the two countries share same views on many regional and international issues, he said.

    Coffie arrived in Beijing and assumed the office of ambassador on Feb. 22. He said he was deeply impressed with the conversation with President Hu Jintao when presenting credentials to the Chinese leader. Enditem