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)