Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in Brazzaville Monday that his
current visit to the Republic of Congo is aimed to further enhance
mutual understanding, expand trade and economic cooperation and
push the friendly cooperative relations between China and the
Republic of Congo to a new stage.
Wen made the remark in a written speech that he released upon
arriving at the airport of Brazzaville, kicking off an official
visit to this west African country. Brazzaville is the third leg of
Wen's seven-nation African trip, which has already taken him to
Egypt and Ghana. Premier Wen will visit Angola, South Africa,
Tanzania and Uganda.
Wen was greeted with a grand welcoming ceremony held by
President Denis Sassou-Nguesso and Prime Minister Isidore Mvouba at
the airport.
During his visit, Wen will meet with President Sassou-Nguesso
and Prime Minister Mvouba and exchange views with them on bilateral
relations and issues of common interests.
Wen will also meet with people from all sections of life in the
Republic of Congo.
Wen said in his written speech that in recent years, under the
attention and effort of the leaders of both countries, China-Congo
friendly relations have added new vigor. The two countries have
achieved marked results in cooperation in all fields. Wen expressed
satisfaction with the progress of bilateral links.
Wen said since the two countries established diplomatic links 42
years ago, bilateral relations have withstood the test of times and
changes in international situation.
Wen said the peoples of the two countries have maintained
sincere friendship and support each other on an equal footing. The
deep friendship between the two peoples and the relations between
the two countries have progressed steadily over the years, Wen
said.
Wen concluded his official visit to Ghana Monday morning and
left Accra for Brazzaville. John Agyekum Kufuor, president of
Ghana, held a ceremony at the airport to see Wen off.
(Xinhua News Agency June 20, 2006)