Chinese President Hu Jintao met with his counterparts from the Republic of Congo and Gabon on separate occasions Thursday on the eve of the Shanghai World Expo.

Hu welcomed the two presidents, Denis Sassou Nguesso and Ali Bongo Ondimba, to Friday's opening ceremony of the Shanghai World Expo, an event that is to last for six months until the end of October.

"The Expo is yet another important international gathering following the 2008 Beijing Olympics Games," Hu said. "It's also the first time for any developing country to host the grand event."

With the strong support from other developing nations, Hu said China was sure to host a successful, spectacular and memorable exposition.

Sassou Nguesso and Ali Bongo congratulated China on the event and wished it a success, saying the developing countries would all share China's pride.

(Xinhua News Agency April 29, 2010)