YAOUNDE : Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Cameroon on the first stage of an eight-nation Africa tour to forge political and economic ties with the continent, national radio reported.

Hu was met at the airport in the capital Yaounde by Cameroon's Prime Minister Ephraim Inoni, the radio station said. It is the first visit by a Chinese president to the African country.

The tour reflects China's strong economic interest in Africa. Its policy there has drawn some concern in the West due to Beijing's close links with regimes in countries such as Sudan and Zimbabwe.

Oil-rich Sudan, scene of the ongoing brutal conflict in the Darfur region described by the United States as genocide, will be the third stop on Hu's trip.

The Chinese leader is due to meet his Cameroonian counterpart Paul Biya on Wednesday morning before signing a series of bilateral cooperation agreements. He will later visit Chinese construction projects in the country.

Aside from Sudan and Cameroon, Hu will also visit Liberia, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique and the Seychelles. - AFP/de