Chinese President Hu Jintao said?in Shenzhen?Friday that relevant Chinese governmental departments are competing with time to send food aid to draught-affected Ethiopia as soon as possible.

Noting that Ethiopia was hit by severe draughts recently, Hu said the Chinese government and people showed deep sympathy over the disaster-affected people in the country. He said several days ago, China had already announced to offer 50 million yuan RMB (7.8 million U.S. dollars) in emergency aid to Ethiopia.

Hu made the remarks when he met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi in Shenzhen Friday afternoon.

Meles thanked China for the general support it gave to Ethiopia during the strike of draught.

Meles is here to attend the opening ceremony of the 26th Summer Universiade to be held in Shenzhen on Friday evening.

Hu welcomed Meles to visit China again and to attend the opening ceremony of the Universiade. Hu also thanked Meles for sending a letter of congratulation to China on the occassion of the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China last month.

Meles is an old friend of the Chinese people. He visited China in 1995, 2004 and 2006. In November, 2006, Meles and Chinese President Hu co-chaired the Beijing Summit of China-Africa Forum, which was attended by heads of state, government leaders and representatives from 48 African countries.

Meles said he was very glad to be in China again.

Bilateral relations between China and Ethiopia have withstood changes in the international situation and their own internal conditions since they established diplomatic links 41 years ago. The two countries have developed a comprehensive partnership of cooperation. Bilateral trade and investment have been increasing over the past decade as China set up trade and economic zones in Ethiopia and a few other African countries.

The two countries have carried out close cooperation on regional and international issues. Ethiopia hosted the second China-Africa Forum in 2003. China helped build the conference center of the African Union in Addis Ababa.