Beijing: Chinese President Hu Jintao will undertake a tour of eight African nations beginning tomorrow, a visit aimed at enhancing Beijing's influence in the region and signing new oil and mineral resources deals to power the double-digit economic growth of the Communist giant.

"President Hu's visit to Africa is an important diplomatic move after the successful opening of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said.

The visit is aimed to further deepen the China-Africa traditional friendship, take follow-up action on the outcome of the Beijing Summit (held in November 2006), expand bilateral practical cooperation, promote common development, and carry out the eight policy measures announced by Hu at the Beijing Summit, he said.

Hu will visit Cameroon, Liberia, Sudan, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique and Seychelles during the 12-day trip.

During his visit, Hu will hold conversations and meetings with leaders of the eight countries, and exchange views on further strengthening the friendly cooperative ties and issues of common interest.

"I believe that President Hu's visit will surely further consolidate the China-Africa traditional friendship, enhance practical cooperation in every field, and promote the development of the new type of strategic partnership between China and Africa," he said.