Chinese President Hu Jintao?met Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam on Tuesday to discuss the expansion of friendly cooperation between China and Mauritius.

President Hu Jintao (L Front) shakes hands with Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam greeting him upon his arrival in Port Louis for a state visit Feb. 16, 2009.

The two leaders were to have in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest, Chinese officials said.

The two leaders also were to witness the signing of cooperation documents by representatives of the two countries and meet the press after their talks, according to the visit schedule.

Later in the day, President Hu was to meet Mauritian President Anerood Jugnauth.

President Hu said Monday in his arrival statement that his visit will "help enhance mutual understanding and trust, deepen our traditional friendship, promote mutually-beneficial cooperation and take China-Mauritius relations to a new level."

President Hu is on the last leg of his five-nation trip, which has already taken him to Saudi Arabia, Mali, Senegal and Tanzania.

(Xinhua News Agency February 17, 2009)