Chinese President Hu Jintao said on Sunday that China is willing to make joint efforts with the Republic of Congo in further expanding political exchanges and cooperation in various fields between the two countries.  

In a message to his Congolese counterpart, Denis Sassou-Nguesso, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Hu said that over the past 40 years, bilateral ties have witnessed sound and stable development.

Both countries have conducted solid and effective cooperation in such fields as politics, economy, culture and education, and extended each other understanding and support in international affairs, Hu added.

The Chinese president said China is willing to join hands with the Congolese side to further expand political exchanges and deepen cooperation in all fields, to push for new development in bilateral friendship and cooperation.

In his message, the Congolese president said the two countries have made tremendous achievements in cementing and expanding their cooperation. The two countries are in agreement on international issues of great importance and this constitutes an impetus and reliable guarantee for the continuous development of their ties.

Congo will make unremitting efforts in promoting the development of Congo-China relations, Sassou added.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and French Affairs Rodolphe Adada also exchanged greetings on this occasion.

(Xinhua News Agency February 22, 2004)