During the visit, the Chinese president will meet Moroccan leaders and have an in-depth exchange of views with them on the development of bilateral cooperation and other issues of common concern.

    The two countries are expected to ink a series of agreements in such fields as trade, culture, health care and sanitation during Hu's visit.

    Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Morocco nearly half a century ago, bilateral relations have developed smoothly on the basis of mutual respect, equality and reciprocity.

    Bilateral cooperation has been expanding in trade, health, tourism, science and technology. The two countries share broad common ground, cooperate closely and support each other in international affairs.

    In 2005, China-Morocco trade increased by 28 percent over the previous year to 1.48 billion U.S. dollars.

    Hu arrived in Rabat from Saudi Arabia's eastern port city of Dammam, for a two-day visit to Morocco, the third leg of his five-nation trip, which will also take him to Nigeria and Kenya. He has already visited the United States and Saudi Arabia. Enditem