![CHINA-AFRICA-MALI-SENEGAL](https://www.rivistamissioniconsolata.it/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/000_Par2411314.jpg)
Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) and his Malian counterpart Amadou Toumani symbolically put the first stone of a bridge in Bamako on February 13, 2009. China's President Hu Jintao promised to step up investment and support for debt relief in Africa as he ended the first stage of a four-nation African tour in Mali on Friday. "We are both developing countries facing the international economic crisis; we should strengthen our relationship. China will continue its aid to Mali," Hu said at a foundation stone ceremony for a bridge on the River Niger in Bamako. AFP PHOTO / HABIB KOUYATE / AFP PHOTO / HABIB KOUYATE