Chinese President Hu Jintao has sent formal invitations to African leaders to attend the third ministerial meeting of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum slated for this November, said a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman on Thursday.

The invitations were well received by African countries, said Jiang Yu, noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the beginning of diplomatic ties between New China and African countries.

Jiang said that China and many African countries are all developing nations and they share common interests and consensus on many issues.

The long-lasting friendship between China and Africa is due to mutual support, equality, cooperation and common development, the spokeswoman said.

It is important for China's diplomacy to consolidate and develop cooperation with African countries, she noted.

China hopes to carry on the traditional friendship and develop a new type of strategic partnership with African countries, she added.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will embark on a seven-nation African tour this Saturday.

Jiang said that Wen will hold talks with leaders of the seven countries and discuss promoting bilateral relations and other issues of common concern, based on the spirit of deepening friendship, enhancing mutual trust, expanding cooperation and common development.

As major events in China-Africa relations, China published early this year an African policy document and Chinese President Hu Jintao visited three African nations in April.

Source: Xinhua