Sixty years ago, a young Denis Sassou Nguesso embarked on a journey to China, marking one of the first visits by youth from the Republic of the Congo after the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Today, as the President of the Republic of the Congo, he returns to Beijing with a vision to strengthen and redefine China-Africa ties.
President Sassou Nguesso attended the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held from September 4 to 6 in Beijing. As his country assumes the role of African co-chair of FOCAC, he sat down with CMG’s He Yanke in an exclusive interview for “Leaders Talk.”
“Our relationship with China has been a cornerstone of our development,” President Sassou Nguesso remarked. “From fisheries and mining to energy and infrastructure, Chinese companies have been instrumental in boosting our economic and social progress.”
During the summit, President Sassou Nguesso expressed optimism about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s ten partnership initiatives slated for the next three years. “Africa pins its hopes on these initiatives,” he stated. “They are not just projects; they represent a roadmap for advancing modernization across the African continent.”
The President emphasized the importance of building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future. “Our collaboration with China is based on mutual respect and shared goals,” he said. “Together, we can achieve sustainable development and prosperity for our peoples.”
Reflecting on his first visit to China six decades ago, President Sassou Nguesso noted the remarkable transformations both nations have undergone. “China’s rapid development is an inspiration,” he said. “We look forward to learning from China’s experiences and applying them to our context.”
The Republic of the Congo’s new role as African co-chair of FOCAC signifies a deeper commitment to fostering collaboration between African nations and China. President Sassou Nguesso concluded, “This is a pivotal moment for Africa-China relations. By strengthening our partnerships, we pave the way for a brighter future for all.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
