African countries maintain that the political parties of Zimbabwe need to reach an agreement on a unity government through dialogue and cooperation to defuse the current crisis, added Mbeki.

Hu expressed China's concern over the situation in Zimbabwe and his hope that the parties concerned will patch up their differences through dialogue and restore national stability at an early date.

He said China respects and values the stance of African countries, and expects the international community to increase positive efforts to facilitate the solution of the Zimbabwe issue.

Hu also lauded the steadfast efforts made by President Mbeki to promote a proper resolution of the political crisis in Zimbabwe.

During the meeting, President Mbeki also offered his condolences to the victims of the recent devastating earthquake in southwest China's Sichuan province, and wished the Beijing Olympic Games a great success.

The Chinese president arrived here late Monday for the Outreach Session of the Group of Eight summit scheduled for Wednesday in the northern Japanese resort of Toyako.

(Xinhua News Agency July 9, 2008)