China, Republic of Congo issue joint communique to boost ties (2)

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.