Special report: President Hu visits 4 Asian nations, attends APEC meeting

    BEIJING, Nov. 21 -- Chinese President Hu Jintao continues his four nation tour. He's now in New Delhi for a state visit. This is the first visit to India by a Chinese head of state in 10 years.

    President Hu Jintao arrived in New Delhi Monday night and his message is that of conviction for a brighter prospect towards bilateral ties.

    At the airport, President Hu Jintao said in a written statement that his visit would strengthen the traditional friendship of the two countries and promote the development of the China-India strategic and cooperative partnership.

    He said China-India relations had maintained sound momentum for all-round growth in recent years. Mutual political trust is deepening. Bilateral trade is expanding. And the two sides are coordinating closely in international and regional affairs.     

    He added that as two large developing countries, China and India will strive to serve their people and contribute more to regional peace and prosperity through their cooperation.

    Hu Jintao also said he is looking forward to an in-depth exchange of views with Indian leaders and public representatives on bilateral relations as well as international affairs.

    India is the third leg of Hu's four-nation tour, which has already taken him to Vietnam and Laos. Pakistan is his next stop.