Leaders of China, Republic of Congo discuss cooperation

BRAZZAVILLE - Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping met here Friday with President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo for talks on expanding cooperation between the two countries.

The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on issues related to Africa's development.

Following their talks, Xi and Sassou Nguesso will witness the signing of cooperation deals by representatives of the two countries.

Later in the day, the Chinese leader will deliver a speech in the parliament of the Republic of Congo.

Xi arrived in Brazzaville at noon Friday for a state visit, the last leg of his first trip abroad after he took office as China's new president earlier this month.

Xi's Brazzaville visit is also the first by a Chinese head of state since the two nations established diplomatic ties in 1964.

Over the past decades, China and the Republic of Congo have had fruitful cooperation in political, economic and trade, and cultural sectors.

China is now the Republic of Congo's largest trading partner. Two-way trade between the two countries jumped to 5 billion US dollars in 2012 from 290 million dollars in 2002.

Xi flew in from Durban, South Africa, after attending the fifth summit of BRICS nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Before that, Xi visited Russia, Tanzania and South Africa.

Xi will wrap up his four-nation trip on Saturday.