On the morning of September 6, 2024, President Xi Jinping met with President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso, who is in China for the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Xi Jinping congratulated the Republic of the Congo on taking over the African co-chair of FOCAC. He commended Denis Sassou Nguesso for his important contributions to the success of the FOCAC Beijing Summit. Xi Jinping pointed out that developing solidarity and cooperation with African countries is an important cornerstone of China's foreign policy. Xi Jinping recalled that during his visit to Africa in 2013, he put forth the principles of China's Africa policy – sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, and pursuing the greater good and shared interests, which have become the guiding principles for China's relations with all other developing countries. The outcomes of this Beijing Summit will benefit all African countries that have diplomatic relations with China and effectively lift China-Africa cooperation to new heights. The outcomes are of far-reaching significance for guiding the development of China-Africa relations and achieving modernization for both sides. China is ready to work with the Republic of the Congo to better play their leading role as FOCAC co-chairs, implement the outcomes of the summit, ensure that the "golden brand" of FOCAC shines even brighter over time, and show the international community the firm resolve of China and Africa to jointly advance the building of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.
Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Republic of the Congo. The rock-solid friendship between the two countries is rooted in a high degree of political mutual trust, the common pursuit of ideas and the firm support for each other. China-Africa relations have embarked on a new journey, and friendly cooperation between China and the Republic of the Congo will embrace the next 60 years with even more brilliance. The two sides should consolidate and develop their traditional friendship to set an example for China-Africa relations.
Xi Jinping suggested that China and the Republic of the Congo play the "four roles", i.e. a standard-bearer for building a community with a shared future, a pioneer in Belt and Road cooperation, a model of people-to-people bonds, and an example of solidarity and collaboration. Xi Jinping stressed that China appreciates the firm and unequivocal support of the Republic of the Congo on all issues related to China's core interests and major concerns, and is ready to deepen exchanges of governance experience with the Republic of the Congo, enhance exchanges in various fields and at all levels, and jointly explore the development paths to modernization. China supports the Republic of the Congo in developing a diversified economy, and encourages Chinese enterprises to participate in the construction of major infrastructure and regional connectivity projects in the country. China is ready to carry out cooperation in agriculture, digital economy, green development and other fields, deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and encourage the two peoples to actively participate in the cause of friendship between China and the Republic of the Congo. China is ready to work with the Republic of the Congo to carry forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, strengthen international cooperation in global governance and other fields, and create a more favorable international environment for the development and revitalization of developing countries.
Denis Sassou Nguesso said that 60 years ago, he was one of the first batch of young people from the Republic of the Congo to visit China. Over the years, he has visited China multiple times and witnessed its continuous and remarkable economic and technological development. China has become a powerful country in the world, which fills its people with great pride and earns deep admiration and heartfelt congratulations from the people of the Republic of the Congo. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Congo and China 60 years ago, bilateral relations have always maintained sound development. Many Chinese companies have participated in the construction of projects in the fields of fishery, mining, energy and infrastructure in the Republic of the Congo, which have promoted the economic and social development of the country. The Republic of the Congo is willing to continuously consolidate its friendship with China and strengthen practical cooperation in various fields. The Republic of the Congo firmly abides by the one-China principle and supports the Chinese government in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. This position remains unwavering. Denis Sassou Nguesso thanked China for supporting the Republic of the Congo in taking over the African co-chair of FOCAC, and congratulated China on successfully hosting the FOCAC Beijing Summit. President Xi Jinping announced yesterday the Ten Partnership Actions for the joint efforts of China and Africa to achieve modernization, which will elevate Africa-China solidarity and cooperation to a new height. He thanked China for its strong support for Africa's development, and the Republic of the Congo is willing to work closely with China to implement the outcomes of the summit and promote the building of a high-level Africa-China community with a shared future.
After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents such as the Belt and Road cooperation plan, and those related to economic partnership for common development, green and low-carbon development, housing and urban construction, investment and economic cooperation, entry-exit animal and plant quarantine, the export of Poria cocos to China, digital economy, human resources, and news media.
The two sides issued the Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of the Congo on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and Building a High-level Community with a Shared Future between China and the Republic of the Congo.
Before the talks, President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan held a welcoming ceremony for Denis Sassou Nguesso and his wife Antoinette Sassou Nguesso at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People.
Wang Yi was present at the above events.
