On China-Africa relations, Hu said China would make efforts to implement the new measures it committed to help the African continent last November, including favorable loans, technology programs.

Banda said China's package of measures to help Africa was of landmark significance and going smoothly. He said Africa regarded China as an important strategic partner and would keep the relationship on track.

After their hour-long talks, Hu and Banda witnessed the signing of several cooperative documents ranging from economy to culture.

Banda's entourage included ministers of foreign affairs, finance, state planning, commerce, mineral resources, tourism, environment.

Banda will meet with other Chinese leaders on Friday before going to south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous region and economic powerhouse Guangdong.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (front L) and Zambian President Rupiah Banda (front R) inspect the guard of honour during a welcoming ceremony in Beijing, China, Feb. 25, 2010. Banda arrived here Wednesday to kick off his first state visit to China, strengthening the ties of friendship. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)