Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong said Monday China is ready to further its relationship with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Zeng made the remarks during his meeting with Raymond Ramazani Baya, visiting minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the DRC.

Over the years, Zeng said China and the DRC have been trust-worthy friends who treat and cooperate with each other on an equal footing and according to the five principles of peaceful co-existence.

Zeng said the Chinese government appreciates the government of the DRC for its firm support to China on such major issues as Taiwan and human rights.

He said China is ready to further expand bilateral friendly relations, increase exchanges, enhance mutual trust in politics and expand trade and economic cooperation. China is willing to continuously expand exchanges between the two countries in the fields of culture, education and health, he said.

Baya said the relations between China and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have set an example to others in the world. He thanked China for its support to the Congolese government's efforts to realize peace and national development.

Baya expressed the willingness to further enhance bilateral political exchanges, expand trade and economic cooperation and strengthen coordination in international organizations. He said the two countries should reinforce and develop bilateral relations so as to bring benefits to their people.

Baya reiterated that the Democratic Republic of the Congo will stick to the one-China policy and firmly support China's cause of reunification.

Baya arrived here Sunday for an official visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

Source: Xinhua