New aid to Africa as president set for visit

China will offer new aid to African countries during President Hu Jintao's upcoming week-long visit starting next Tuesday, a senior diplomat said on Friday.

Details of the package are still being worked out, and "China will launch a series of measures to help these countries cushion themselves from the impact of the global financial crisis on the continent," Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun told a press conference.

Hu's first visit abroad after the Lunar New Year will start with Saudi Arabia before it takes him to Mali, Senegal, Tanzania and Mauritius.