Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Joseph Kabila, president of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), reached broad consensus in
their talks in Beijing Friday afternoon.
During the talks, Jiang said former DRC President Laurent Kabila,
Joseph Kabila's father, visited China in 1997 and his tour has
brought remarkable progress in the promotion of bilateral ties.
Jiang said he believed that Joseph Kabila's current visit would
increase mutual understanding between China and the DRC and elevate
bilateral friendly cooperation to a new high.
While speaking of Sino-DRC relations and friendship, Jiang said
that as early as when the DRC fought for its independence, China
has given moral support and material assistance to the DRC
people.
Jiang also pointed out that China and the DRC are both developing
countries and the two have many common concerns as well as common
interests in major international issues.
Speaking of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, Jiang said
bilateral cooperation has developed smoothly and China supports the
DRC's efforts towards reconstruction and will encourage reputable
Chinese businesses to invest in the DRC.
Jiang praised Kabila's dedication to developing Sino-DRC friendly
cooperation as well as his firm adherence to the "one China"
policy.
He
expressed his belief that under the leadership of Kabila, the DRC
government and people would certainly overcome all difficulties and
achieve peace and economic prosperity.
Kabila, for his part, said the DRC has always valued China's
friendship, stressing China's constant support of the DRC
government and people, especially during difficult times.
He
said economic and diplomatic cooperation between the DRC and China
has great development potential, and hopes that China will enhance
cooperation in fields such as energy and agriculture and increase
investment in the DRC.
Jiang said China has, as always, been concerned about the peace
process in the DRC, and extends heart-felt sympathy for the
suffering and loss brought about by the ongoing conflict in the
DRC.
He
emphasized that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the
DRC should be respected, foreign military forces should leave the
DRC and conflict should be resolved through dialogue, consultation
and a peaceful approach.
After the talks, Jiang and Kabila attended the ceremony for signing
three cooperation agreements between China and the DRC.
Prior to the talks, Jiang presided over a grand welcoming ceremony
to honor Kabila at the Great Hall of the People.
Kabila arrived here Friday morning for a four-day state visit to
China at the invitation of Jiang. This is his first visit to China
since he assumed the post of the head of state of the DRC.
(Xinhua News
Agency March 22, 2002)