President Hu Jintao (R) meets with Monacan Prince Albert II in Beijing, capital of China, April 24, 2007. Monacan Prince Albert II is on the first-ever China tour by a Monacan head of state.(Xinhua Photo/Lang Hongguang) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao met here Tuesday with Monacan Prince Albert II, who is on the first-ever China tour by a Monacan head of state.

    "The visit would turn over a new chapter for the cooperation between China and Monaco in the new century," said Hu.

    Hu said the two sides had upgraded their diplomatic relations to ambassadorial level last February, which marks a new era for Sino-Monaco relationship.

    He pledged to work with Mocano to promote consultation in the international affairs, to expand cooperation on finance, insurance and tourism, and to increase the personnel exchanges, especially the contacts between the youth of the two countries.

    Hu expressed appreciation for Monaco's adherence on one-China policy.

    Prince Albert II said Monaco hoped to enhance cooperation with China on economy, trade, culture and other fields, as well as the coordination in the international organizations.

    As a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Albert II said he is confident to see a successful game in China in 2008.