Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir was in China, meeting with his ally President Hu Jintao. The two parties agreed to exchange views on Sudan's ongoing north-south peace process and the Darfur issue, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua.

Bashir stayed in Beijing until Friday, when he flew back to Northern Sudan.

President Bashir told Xinhua that the Sudanese regard China as the strategic partner for Sudan in various fields, including the political, economic, commercial and cultural fields.

Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on a number of charges, including genocide and war crimes, had trouble getting to the meeting. He arrived a full day late and missed an engagement with Chinese President Hu Jintao because, according to Bashir, his plane had to turn around to avoid flying over Turkmenistan.

The two did get to meet and had a number of meetings, tours and photo opportunities during Bashir's short trip to the Communist nation.

Bashir in China
Sudan's President Omar Hassan al-Bashir shakes hands with Chinese officials as he arrives at Beijing International Airport Reuters
Bashir in China
Chinese President Hu and Sudan's President al-Bashir attend signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Reuters
Bashir in China
China's Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Wu shakes hands with Sudan's President al-Bashir during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijin Reuters
Bashir in China
China's Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Wu Bangguo talks to Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir in Beijing Reuters
Bashir in China
Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir (2nd L) speaks with Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (2nd R) during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing June 29, 2011 Reuters
Bashir in China
Sudan's President Omar Hassan al-Bashir and China's President Hu Jintao (L) review a military honour guard during a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing June 29, 2011. Reuters
Court China Sudan China