Chinese President Hu Jintao hosted a ceremony to welcome President of the Republic of Congo Sassau for his visit to China at the Square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing

On the afternoon of September 26, 2005, Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassau-Nguesso in the Great Hall of the People. The two heads of state made positive comments on the achievements of bilateral relations and indicated that both sides will deepen the traditional friendship, strengthen strategic cooperation, expand cooperation areas and push the bilateral friendly cooperative relations to one new level after another.

Hu noted that although the international situation and their respective national conditions have undergone profound changes, the relations between both sides have all along been developing steadily since the establishment of diplomatic ties 41 years ago. Both sides have witnessed frequent high-level exchanges, deepened mutual understanding and friendship and rapid development of economic and trade cooperation with the bilateral trade volume increasing year by year. They have also continuously expanded exchanges and cooperation in other areas and maintained sound coordination and cooperation on major international and regional issues. China appreciates and thanks the Congolese government for resolute pursuit of the one-China policy and precious support on the questions related to Taiwan and human rights. The Chinese government supports the Congolese government's efforts to safeguard state stability, promote national reconciliation and develop national economy.

Sassau indicated that the two peoples share a profound friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 40 years ago, both peoples have always supported each other and advanced side by side, and their friendly cooperation in various areas has scored fruitful results. Congo would like to work with China to push the bilateral relations to another new level.

Hu noted that China would like to make joint efforts with Congo to strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the following four aspects. First, in the political area, both sides should maintain the momentum of bilateral high-level exchanges and strengthen dialogue and exchanges between various sectors and at all levels. Second, in the economic area, both sides should give play to the advantage of mutual complementarity, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and promote common development. China would like to focus on enhanced cooperation with Congo in the areas of agriculture, mining industry, petroleum, telecommunications and infrastructure construction. The Chinese businesses with strength and good reputation should be encouraged to invest in Congo and participate in its economic development. Third, in the area of humanities, both sides should further expand bilateral cooperation in the areas of culture, education and health and reinforce exchanges in human resources development. Fourth, in international affairs, both sides should keep closer consultation and enhance coordination in a bid to jointly safeguard the rights and interest of developing countries.

Sassau expressed full agreement with President Hu's suggestions. He emphasized that the bilateral cooperation is based on friendship and mutual benefits and enjoys a solid foundation. Congo welcomes more Chinese businesses to take part in Congo's economic development in an all-round manner and actively conduct cooperation projects in the areas of transportation, communications and resources. He also indicated that both sides share the same views and positions on major international issues. Congo makes highly positive comments on China's active role in international and regional affairs.

Hu pointed out that China has always supported African counties to join forces for improvement, safeguard regional peace and pursue economic development. To continuously strengthen unity and cooperation with African countries is the unswerving policy of the Chinese government. Under the new situation, to do a good job in holding the China-Africa Cooperation Forum is of great significance to developing China-Africa relations. China will make full use of this effective mechanism to continue to deepen China-Africa group dialogue and pragmatic cooperation and make greater contributions to the development of the new-type partnership between China and Africa.

Sassau said that the proposal on the development issue President Hu put forward at the UN Summit last week represents the strong aspiration of a great majority of developing nations and was warmly welcomed. It is hoped that through the Beijing Summit of China-Africa Cooperation Forum to be held in next Autumn, the mutually beneficial cooperation between African countries and China will enter a new stage of development and realize common development.

Following the talks, the two heads of state jointly attended the signing ceremony of the agreement on economic and technological cooperation between the two governments and other bilateral cooperation documents.

Prior to the talks, President Hu held a ceremony at the Square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People to welcome President Sassau and his wife for their visit to China. President Hu Jintao's wife Liu Yongqing, Vice Premier of the State Council Zeng Peiyan, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Lu Yongxiang, Vice Chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Zhang Rongming, Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo, Chinese Ambassador to the Republic of Congo Wo Ruidi and other officials attended the welcome ceremony.