On November 29, 2021 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Christophe Lutundula Apala in Dakar, just ahead of the opening of the Eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
Wang Yi said, through the test of changes in the international situation, China-DRC friendship has been continuously deepened as the two countries step toward common development and prosperity. The important consensus reached by the two heads of state has charted the course for developing bilateral ties. China appreciates the DRC's firm pursuit of the policy of friendly relations with China, and is willing to strengthen solidarity and mutual trust and expand cooperation with the DRC, so as to help the DRC translate its resource superiority into development strengths and form a strong momentum for the development of the national economy.
Noting that China is the most important cooperation partner of the DRC, Lutundula said, the DRC cherishes its friendship with China, and will, as always, firmly support China in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The robust, exemplary relationship between the DRC and China is immune to any external factors. The DRC highly appreciates China's selfless support and help for the development of Africa, and believes this ministerial conference will be a complete success.
Wang Yi stressed that the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government champion people-centered governance and attach great importance to the safety and security of Chinese enterprises and Chinese nationals overseas. The Chinese side is extremely concerned with a series of vicious crimes that have recently happened in the DRC, involving kidnappings and killings of Chinese citizens. China hopes that the DRC will secure the release of the Chinese in captivity as soon as possible and take resolute and effective measures to eliminate hazards, earnestly strengthening the protection of the safety of Chinese citizens in the DRC and creating a secure and stable environment for bilateral cooperation.
Lutundula said, the DRC attaches great importance to China's concerns and will take a responsible attitude and forceful measures to investigate the crimes, secure the freedom of the kidnapped and severely punish the culprits, safeguard national security and restore stability in the Eastern DRC.
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