Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao addresses the Brazilian National Congress in Brasilia, capital of Brazil, Nov. 12, 2004.

Governor of the state of Rio de Janeiro Rosinha Garotinho meets with visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Nov. 13, 2004.

Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao pledged here Friday to push forward the Sino-Brazilian strategic partnership.

Addressing the Brazilian National Congress, Hu said the strategic partnership would not only contribute to the prosperity of the two countries, but also promote world peace and development.

Hu spoke highly of the fruitful cooperation between China and Brazil since the two countries established diplomatic relations 30years ago.

Brazil is China's most important trade partner in Latin Americawhile China is Brazil's in Asia, said Hu, adding that traditional friendship between the two peoples has deepened thanks to joint efforts.

Hu noted he and Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula have agreed on four principles on strengthening bilateral ties.

First, the two sides should strengthen mutual political trust and carry out consultation on an equal footing.

Second, the two countries should tap potentials for expanding mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation.

Third, the two sides should coordinate and cooperate with each other in international affairs.

Fourthly, Hu said, the two countries should encourage people-to-people exchanges to deepen mutual understanding.

Before his speech, Hu met separately with leaders of the Brazilian parliament.

The Chinese president arrived here Thursday for a state visit, the first leg of his four-nation Latin American tour, which will also take him to Argentina, Chile and Cuba.

He is expected to attend the Economic Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation slated for Nov. 20-21.