Following his visit to Namibia, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi next visited the Republic of Congo as the second leg of his Africa visit this January. In the 35th consecutive year that China’s foreign minister made Africa his first overseas destination, Wang also visited Chad and Nigeria.
The Republic of Congo (also widely known as Congo Brazzaville to distinguish it from the Democratic Republic of Congo or Congo Kinshasha) is one of China’s oldest and staunchest friends on the continent of Africa. The two countries established diplomatic relations on 22 February 1964.
Wang Yi met with Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso on January 7.
Recalling that President Xi Jinping chose Africa for his first overseas trip as Chinese president in 2013, during which he made a historic visit to the Republic of Congo, Sassou said this visit remains vivid in his memory. The Chinese president, he continued, proposed 10 partnership action plans at the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing in September 2024, which cover all areas of China-Africa cooperation, focus on tackling Africa’s pressing challenges, and meet Africa’s needs.
Noting that this year marks the start of implementing the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, Sassou said the Republic of Congo, as the FOCAC’s co-chair, will spare no effort in advancing the 10 partnership action plans and will strive for greater progress in China-Africa cooperation. (The Republic of Congo replaced Senegal as Africa’s rotating co-chair at the Beijing summit and will hold the position for three years.)
For his part Wang Yi said that Sassou is a renowned African politician and one of the African leaders who have visited China the most and met with President Xi the most, adding that the deep friendship between the two leaders serves as a vital political guarantee for China-Congo and China-Africa relations.
Calling the Republic of Congo a staunch friend and important partner of China, Wang praised the country’s vibrant development under Sassou’s leadership. China will remain the country’s most reliable friend and partner during its development and revitalisation journey, he said, adding that the Republic of Congo’s role as the FOCAC’s co-chair reflects Africa’s confidence in the country.
Speaking after their meeting, Wang said that China and the Republic of Congo had agreed to set an example for building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. Noting that both sides agreed to continue upholding international fairness and justice, he said that the Chinese side appreciates the Republic of Congo’s unique role in international affairs and is willing to work closely with the country to support Africa in achieving peace and stability, addressing “climate injustice,” advocating for a balanced and orderly multipolar world, and promoting inclusive economic globalisation, so as to jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity.
In a press interview, when asked about the plans for China and the Republic of Congo, as FOCAC co-chairs, to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit, Wang said that FOCAC has played an important role in promoting Africa’s development and improving the livelihood of the African people. It has become a symbol of China-Africa solidarity and cooperation, a banner of South-South cooperation, and a model for leading international cooperation with Africa.
Over the 25 years since the forum’s establishment, China has helped Africa build 100,000 km of roads, more than 10,000 km of railways, nearly 1,000 bridges, and almost 100 ports. In the past three years alone, China has created more than one million jobs in Africa.
The forum has also launched numerous livelihood projects in Africa, including initiatives focused on food, water supply, and education, benefiting people across the continent. His current visit aims to collaborate with the Congolese side to build consensus on enhancing and upgrading cooperation within the forum. Together, he explained, China and the Republic of Congo have formulated a “timetable” and “roadmap” for the development of the forum over the next three years.
This year, the focus will be on holding a ministerial-level meeting to coordinate and accelerate the implementation of the forum’s outcomes to deliver more “early harvests.” Next year, the two sides will jointly mark the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic relations and “the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges” through joint events. The 18th senior officials’ meeting will accelerate the mid-term implementation of summit outcomes. In 2027, preparations for the 10th ministerial conference will serve as a driving force to ensure the comprehensive implementation and conclusion of summit outcomes.
Congo will host the 2027 FOCAC Summit.
The South China Morning Post noted that among the agreements reached at the last FOCAC Summit were measures to boost trade, economic and diplomatic relations, as well as military cooperation and strengthening of party-to-party relations, in addition to Xi’s funding commitment for the continent. These included zero tariffs on 100 per cent of goods from Africa’s least developed countries, as well as major land and sea connectivity projects.
Wang Yi also said that China will work with African countries to build the “Africa Solar Belt” program and help Africa truly embark on the path of green and low-carbon development.
When asked about how China and Africa jointly address climate change, Wang said that President Sassou’s high attention to the issue of climate change reflects the foresight of African leaders, adding that China has always supported Africa in achieving green development as the installed capacity of photovoltaic power plants built jointly has exceeded 1.5 GW, lighting up thousands of homes across the continent. China will also join hands with Africa to promote international climate governance, he added.
Noting that fair and common but differentiated responsibilities should be adhered to, Wang called on developed countries to face up to their historical responsibilities, earnestly fulfil their obligations, and provide financial, technical and capacity-building support to developing countries, especially African countries.
Wang Yi also held talks with his Congolese counterpart, Foreign Minister Jean-Claude Gakosso, pledging to implement the outcomes of the Beijing FOCAC Summit.
Describing the Republic of Congo as a steadfast friend of China, Wang said that the two countries have shared an unbreakable bond for more than 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, which is characterised by consistent mutual understanding and support in the face of challenges.
As co-chair of FOCAC, the Republic of Congo reflects the high-level partnership between the two nations and embodies the aspirations of the African continent, Wang said, expressing his confidence in the Republic of Congo’s active fulfilment of its responsibilities as chair, contributing to the implementation of the FOCAC Beijing Summit’s outcomes and advancing China-Africa cooperation. These efforts, he added, will not only strengthen the Republic of Congo’s development but also enhance its international influence.
The South China Morning Post reported that Foreign Minister Gakosso has said Chinese funding could rehabilitate the country’s electricity infrastructure and upgrade the 512km (318 miles) Congo–Ocean Railway linking the Atlantic port of Pointe-Noire with the capital Brazzaville.
The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.
We also embed a short extract from a CGTN Leaders Talk interview with President Sassou Nguesso, recorded in Brazzaville on February 23 last year, one day after the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Asked for the reasons behind his country’s long-lasting relations with China, Sassou says that both the Chinese and Congolese peoples have suffered from oppression and colonisation in the past and both have fought for liberation. “Our shared aspirations for freedom and development unite us. Initially it was about shaking off colonial rule and occupation and later it was about building a future of peace, freedom and development together.”
Sassou was part of the very first, six-person, Congolese delegation to visit China in September 1964. He recalls the difficulty in reaching China in those days, with a three-day journey that took them successively to Paris, Zurich, Cairo, Karachi, Dhaka, Shanghai and finally Beijing. Sassou has now visited China 16 times in 61 years.
President of Republic of Congo meets Chinese FM to strengthen bilateral ties
BRAZZAVILLE, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) — President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday, with both sides pledging to advance bilateral ties and China-Africa cooperation.
Sassou conveyed his New Year greetings and best wishes to Chinese President Xi Jinping through Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.
Recalling that Xi chose Africa for his first overseas trip as Chinese president in 2013, during which he made a historic visit to the Republic of the Congo, Sassou said the visit remains vivid in his memory.
Noting that Africa is playing an increasingly important role in global affairs, Sassou expressed hope that China’s emphasis on Africa will lead to greater attention on and more support for the continent on a global scale.
The Chinese president proposed 10 partnership action plans at the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing in 2024, which cover all areas of China-Africa cooperation, focus on tackling Africa’s pressing challenges, and meet Africa’s needs, Sassou said.
Infrastructure, power, agriculture and industrialization are critical issues the Republic of the Congo and other African countries need to solve in order to achieve development, he added.
Noting that this year marks the start of implementing the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, Sassou said the Republic of the Congo, as the FOCAC’s co-chair, will spare no effort in advancing the 10 partnership action plans and strive for greater progress in China-Africa cooperation.
For his part, Wang conveyed Xi’s cordial greetings and New Year wishes to Sassou.
Noting that Sassou is a renowned African politician and one of the African leaders who have visited China the most and met with Xi the most, Wang said the deep friendship between the two leaders serves as a vital political guarantee for China-Congo and China-Africa relations.
The Chinese foreign minister’s tradition of starting the year with a visit to Africa is a testament to China’s unwavering solidarity with African nations, Wang said.
Calling the Republic of the Congo a staunch friend and important partner of China, Wang praised the country’s vibrant development under Sassou’s leadership. China will remain the country’s most reliable friend and partner during its development and revitalization journey, he said.
The Republic of the Congo’s role as the FOCAC’s co-chair reflects Africa’s confidence in the country, Wang said.
As the best platform for deepening China-Africa cooperation and achieving common development, the FOCAC has been leading global cooperation with Africa, Wang said, noting that China is willing to work closely with the Republic of the Congo to comprehensively implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, support Africa’s development and jointly pursue modernization.
These efforts will also enhance the Republic of the Congo’s development and elevate its global standing, he added.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Congolese Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso and Foreign Minister Jean-Claude Gakosso.
China, Republic of Congo to set example for all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future: Wang Yi
BRAZZAVILLE, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) — China and the Republic of the Congo agreed to set an example for building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Tuesday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks after meeting with the President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso.
Stressing that China and the Republic of the Congo have reached a broad consensus on strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership and deepening China-Africa cooperation, Wang said that both sides agreed to continue solidifying their strong and unwavering friendship and to stand firmly together on issues concerning each other’s core interests such as sovereignty, security and development.
By exchanging governance experience and pursuing development paths suited to their respective national conditions, the two countries aim to join hands to advance modernization, Wang added.
Wang noted that both sides also agreed to remain at the forefront of China-Africa friendship. Following the important consensus reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Sassou, the two countries will accelerate the building of a high-level China-Congo community with a shared future, setting an example for the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, Wang added.
He said both sides also agreed to continue to bolster the influence of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which marks its 25th anniversary this year. As co-chairs of the forum, the two sides will focus on the “Ten Partnership Actions,” jointly implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the FOCAC, and outline a clear “timetable” and “roadmap” for the forum’s development over the next three years, Wang added.
Noting that both sides agreed to continue upholding international fairness and justice, Wang said that the Chinese side appreciates the Republic of the Congo’s unique role in international affairs and is willing to work closely with the country to support Africa in achieving peace and stability, addressing “climate injustice,” advocating for a balanced and orderly multipolar world, and promoting inclusive economic globalization, so as to jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind.
Chinese FM vows to enhance int’l cooperation with Africa
BRAZZAVILLE, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was interviewed by journalists here on Tuesday after meeting with Denis Sassou Nguesso, president of the Republic of the Congo.
When asked about the plans for China and the Republic of the Congo, co-chairs of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the FOCAC has played an important role in promoting Africa’s development and improving the livelihood of the African people.
It has become a symbol of China-Africa solidarity and cooperation, a banner of South-South cooperation, and a model for leading international cooperation with Africa, Wang said.
Over the 25 years since the forum’s establishment, China has helped Africa build 100,000 km of roads, more than 10,000 km of railways, nearly 1,000 bridges, and almost 100 ports. In the past three years, China has created more than 1 million jobs in Africa, he said.
The forum has also launched numerous livelihood projects in Africa, including initiatives focused on food, water supply, and education, benefiting people across the continent. This visit aims to collaborate with the Congolese side to build consensus on enhancing and upgrading cooperation within the forum.
Wang outlined three key considerations for implementing the outcomes of the Beijing Summit after extensive consultations:
Firstly, follow the direction of advancing modernization in six aspects proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, strengthen the alignment of development strategies and the exchange of governance experience, cultivate deeper resonance of ideas and shared values to broaden the scope of China-Africa relations and inject inexhaustible momentum for their development.
Secondly, continuously enrich the “spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation,” blaze the right path for state-to-state relations, set an example for international cooperation with Africa to ensure that China and Africa continue to lead in building a new type of international relations and a community of shared future for mankind.
Thirdly, focus on the implementation of the ten partnership actions for modernization, identify priority directions and key projects, apply zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, build a comprehensive China-Africa connectivity network spanning land and sea, implement 1,000 “small and beautiful” livelihood projects, and improve the China-Africa investment and trade cooperation mechanism to provide Africa with a broader market, practical technology, and stable investment for its modernization.
Wang said that both China and the Republic of the Congo have formulated a “timetable” and “roadmap” for the development of the forum over the next three years.
This year, the focus will be on holding a ministerial-level meeting to coordinate and accelerate the implementation of the forum’s outcomes to deliver more “early harvests.” Next year, the two sides will jointly mark the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic relations and “the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges” through joint events. The 18th senior officials’ meeting will accelerate the mid-term implementation of summit outcomes. In 2027, preparations for the 10th ministerial conference will serve as a driving force to ensure the comprehensive implementation and conclusion of summit outcomes.
China is ready to work with African countries to elevate the reputation of FOCAC and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind, Wang said.
China to join hands with Africa to promote eco-friendly modernization: Chinese FM
BRAZZAVILLE, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) — China will work with African countries to build the “Africa Solar Belt” program and help Africa truly embark on the path of green and low-carbon development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Tuesday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, spoke to reporters after meeting with President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso.
When asked about how China and Africa jointly address climate change, Wang said that President Sassou’s high attention to the issue of climate change reflects the foresight of African leaders, adding that China has always supported Africa in achieving green development as the installed capacity of photovoltaic power plants built jointly has exceeded 1.5 GW, lighting up thousands of homes across the continent.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed that China and Africa should jointly advance modernization that is eco-friendly, which is the common goal of both sides and one of the key tasks of this visit, Wang said.
He said that China will implement the Partnership Action for Green Development, and work with African countries to carry out clean energy projects proposed at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
China will join hands with Africa to promote international climate governance, Wang said.
Noting that fair and common but differentiated responsibilities should be adhered to, Wang called on developed countries to face up to their historical responsibilities, earnestly fulfill their obligations, and provide financial, technical and capacity-building support to developing countries, especially African countries.
China, Republic of Congo to implement FOCAC outcomes for closer cooperation
BRAZZAVILLE, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) — Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with his counterpart of the Republic of the Congo Jean-Claude Gakosso on Tuesday, pledging to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) last year in efforts to enhance China-Africa cooperation.
During the talks, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that it has long been a tradition for China’s foreign minister to make Africa the destination of the first overseas trip each year. The longstanding tradition, which underscores China’s enduring solidarity and cooperation with Africa, is the cornerstone of China’s foreign policy and a firm strategic choice.
He added that regardless of changes in the international landscape, China will remain committed to deepening its relations and cooperation with Africa.
Describing the Republic of the Congo as a steadfast friend of China, Wang said that the two countries have shared an unbreakable bond for more than 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, which is characterized by consistent mutual understanding and support through challenges.
The cooperation has delivered tangible benefits to both peoples, with the friendship of the two countries continuing to lead China-Africa relations, Wang said, adding that he expects even brighter and broader prospects for bilateral ties under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state.
As co-chair of the FOCAC, the Republic of the Congo reflects the high-level partnership between the two nations and embodies the aspirations of the African continent, Wang said, expressing his confidence in the Republic of the Congo’s active fulfillment of its responsibilities as chair, contributing to the implementation of the FOCAC Beijing Summit’s outcomes and advancing China-Africa cooperation.
These efforts, Wang added, will not only strengthen the Republic of the Congo’s development but also enhance its international influence.
Wang also reaffirmed China’s commitment to working with African nations toward building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.
For his part, Gakosso expressed his gratitude for Wang’s visit, in particular to the Republic of the Congo, calling it a testament to China’s commitment to their bilateral relationship.
Despite the geographical distance and cultural differences, Gakosso emphasized that the two nations have forged a unique and enduring bond, making their relationship a model for international relations. He attributed this success to their shared dedication to safeguarding global peace, upholding international justice, and pursuing common development.
President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso’s successful visit to China in September 2024 marked a new chapter in bilateral relations, Gakosso said, adding that the country is satisfied with the progress in its relations with China and is willing to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation for the greater welfare of their people.
Gakosso reaffirmed the Republic of the Congo’s unwavering support for the one-China principle and China’s efforts to achieve national reunification, stressing that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.
He also voiced support for the Belt and Road Initiative and China’s three global initiatives, namely the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, and expects to learn from China’s governance experience.
As co-chair of the FOCAC, the Republic of the Congo is committed to working closely with China to fulfill its chairmanship responsibilities, implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit, and contribute to a brighter future for China-Africa cooperation, he said.
Gakosso also extended his condolences to the Chinese people over the earthquake in China’s Xizang Autonomous Region.
