China and the Republic of Congo have pledged to enhance cooperation and strengthen China-Africa ties during a meeting between President Sassou and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Brazzaville. They emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts to address development challenges and the importance of the FOCAC action plans.
On January 7, 2025, during a meeting in Brazzaville, President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reinforced their commitment to enhancing China-Africa cooperation for mutual development. Sassou appreciated Wang’s visit and requested him to convey New Year greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasizing the significance of Xi’s inaugural visit to Congo in 2013.
Sassou highlighted Africa’s increasing global relevance, expressing optimism that China’s dedication to the continent would prompt greater international support. He also acknowledged President Xi’s ten partnership action plans established during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which he deemed essential to addressing infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and industrialization challenges.
As co-chair of FOCAC, Sassou committed to actively advancing these initiatives to improve China-Africa relations. In response, Wang reiterated Xi’s greetings and China’s unwavering commitment to Africa, recognizing Congo’s pivotal role under Sassou’s leadership. He emphasized the importance of commencing the foreign minister’s year with a visit to Africa, highlighting China’s solidarity with the continent.
Wang reaffirmed China’s determination to support Congo’s development efforts and to be a reliable partner. He expressed China’s intent to collaborate with Congo to achieve the objectives set out during the Beijing Summit, aiming for shared modernization and increased international influence for Congo.
In conclusion, the meeting between President Sassou and Foreign Minister Wang Yi underscores a strong bilateral commitment to enhancing China-Africa cooperation and addressing key developmental challenges within the continent. Both leaders expressed readiness to implement the FOCAC action plans, which focus on vital sectors for Africa’s growth, thereby solidifying Congo’s role in international discussions on African development.
Original Source: news.cgtn.com
