Xi holds talks with president of Republic of Congo

Chinese President Xi Jinping and President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso attend a signing ceremony of cooperation documents after their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 6, 2024. Xi held talks with Sassou, who is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday held talks with President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso, who is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and a state visit.

Xi congratulated the Republic of Congo on becoming the African co-chair of FOCAC.

The summit's outcomes will benefit all African countries that have diplomatic ties with China and lift China-Africa cooperation to new heights, Xi said, adding that the outcomes are of great significance for guiding the development of China-Africa ties and achieving modernization for both sides.

China will work with the Republic of Congo to better play their leading role as FOCAC co-chairs and to show the firm resolve of China and Africa to jointly build an all-weather community with a shared future for the new era, he said.

Noting that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Xi said both sides should strengthen and develop their traditional friendship to set an example for China-Africa relations.

He stressed that China appreciates the Republic of Congo's firm and unequivocal support on issues related to China's core interests and major concerns.

China supports the Republic of Congo in diversifying its economy and encourages Chinese companies to participate in key infrastructure and regional connectivity projects in the country, Xi said.

He said China is willing to enhance international cooperation with the Republic of Congo in global governance and other areas.

Sassou Nguesso said many Chinese companies have participated in projects across various sectors, such as fisheries and infrastructure, in the Republic of Congo, and contributed to the country's economic and social development.

He expressed gratitude for China's strong support for Africa's development, saying the Republic of Congo is ready to work closely with China to implement the outcomes of this summit.

After the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation agreements in areas such as Belt and Road cooperation, the digital economy, human resources and news media.

The two sides issued a joint statement.

Before the talks, a welcoming ceremony was held at the Great Hall of the People.