BEIJING, Feb 6: China said on Friday President Hu Jintao would offer more aid to African countries during his visit to the continent next week, and work with them to fight the global economic crisis.

“President Hu Jintao will discuss economic cooperation and trade with the countries he will visit in Africa, and we will also offer fresh assistance to African countries,” assistant foreign minister Zhai Jun told reporters.

“But the details are still being worked out.” Hu departs on a one-week trip to Mali, Senegal, Tanzania, Mauritius and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday -- his first overseas trip of 2009, and his fourth to the African continent since he came to power in 2003.Zhai said China was confident of meeting a pledge it made to double aid to Africa in the three years to 2009.—AFP