China, Republic of Congo to boost ties

BRAZZAVILLE - China and the Republic of the Congo issued on Saturday a joint communique on the agreements reached by the two nations' presidents, as well as their common desire to promote bilateral ties and expand cooperation in the future.

"The two heads of state agree to build, on the basis of traditional friendship between the two sides, a China-Republic of the Congo comprehensive cooperative partnership of solidarity and mutual assistance," said the communique issued after Friday's meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Denis Sassou Nguesso, the president of the Republic of the Congo.

Xi, who arrived in Brazzaville on Friday for a two-day state visit to the central African nation, exchanged views with Sassou Nguesso on issues concerning bilateral, regional and international affairs, and reached broad consensus.

On bilateral ties, the two presidents are satisfied to see that the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries has been constantly deepened and consolidated since its establishment 49 years ago.

That relationship meets the interests of the two peoples and has played a positive role in promoting the two countries' development, according to the communique.

On issues concerning their respective major interests, and during periods of difficulties, the two countries have provided each other with assistance and support, the communique said.

The two heads of state pledged to continue to support each other on issues regarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. President Sassou Nguesso reaffirmed his country's commitment to the one-China policy, and its support for the Chinese government's efforts to achieve national unification.

The two heads of state agreed that China and the Republic of the Congo are economically complementary and enjoy great potential in their practical cooperation. The Chinese government, as what it has done in the past, has promised to assist the economic and social development in the Republic of the Congo within its capacities.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in such key sectors as agriculture, infrastructure and energy, and actively exploring their collaboration in emerging sectors like industry, special economic zones, exploitation of mineral resources, so as to enhance the scale and quality of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides.

The two governments will work to create conditions and offer convenience for enterprises of the two nations to increase exchanges and expand cooperation, the communique said.

The two presidents also agreed to step up bilateral people-to-people and cultural exchanges, expand cooperation in culture, education, health, manpower training and other fields between the two sides, and promote the friendly exchanges between the press, academia, as well as the youth and women's organizations of the two, in a bid to further promote the mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

The two heads of state are pleased to see that, under the guidance of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China-Africa relations have witnessed all-around and rapid development in recent years and produced fruitful results in their practical cooperation.

The two countries stand ready to bolster cooperation to lift the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership to a higher level, the communique said.

On regional issues, both leaders expressed concerns over recent crises on the African continent. Xi appreciated the efforts made by President Sassou Nguesso to help solve the these crises.

The two sides vowed to maintain their cooperation in global affairs, enhance coordination on such major issues as UN reform, climate change and sustainable development, and jointly defend the rights and interests of developing countries.

During Xi's visit, the two governments signed a number of agreements.

Also on Saturday, Xi and Sassou Nguesso attended the completion ceremony of the China-Republic of Congo Friendship Hospital project and the inauguration ceremony of the library of the Marien Ngouabi University as well as its China Reading Room.

As Xi concludes his trip, the Chinese leader invited Sassou Nguesso to visit China, according to the communique, adding that the exact date would be arranged via diplomatic channels.