On July 5, 2016, President Xi Jinping held talks at the Great Hall of the People with President Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of Congo. Both heads of state decided to uplift bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation. They also agreed to take the implementation of outcomes of the Johannesburg Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as an opportunity to comprehensively deepen and expand friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, so as to better benefit the two peoples.

Xi Jinping pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Republic of Congo 52 years ago, both sides have always shared sincerity and friendship, treated each other as equals, understood and supported each other on issues concerning respective core interests and major concerns. In recent years, bilateral relations have vigorously developed and cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results.

Xi Jinping stressed that China and the Republic of Congo should deepen political mutual trust and always be good brothers sharing weal and woe. The two sides should continuously plan and develop bilateral relations from strategic height and long-term perspective, enhance communication and cooperation in all areas such as governments, ruling parties, legislative bodies and local governments, strengthen bilateral political mutual trust, and consolidate the political foundation for bilateral long-term friendship. Both sides should promote win-win cooperation and always be good partners enjoying common development. China is willing to speed up bilateral industrial alignment and production capacity cooperation by supporting the country in building the leading project of a special economic zone in Pointe Noir. It will also help the Republic of Congo to accelerate industrialization and agricultural modernization and achieve diversified, independent and sustainable economic development. China stands ready to expand mutually beneficial cooperation with the Republic Congo in such areas as special zone construction, agriculture and regional aviation. The two sides should advance people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and always be each other's sincere good friends. China is ready to enhance exchanges and cooperation with the Republic of Congo in culture, education, youth, women, media, think-tank, university and local affairs and increase mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, so as to constantly consolidate the public opinion and social foundations for bilateral friendship. The two sides need to strengthen international coordination and cooperation, and always be protectors of common interest. China is willing to maintain close communication and coordination in major international and regional topics such as peace and security in Africa and climate change with the Republic of Congo, so as to jointly safeguard legitimate rights and interest of developing countries.

Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Africa are a community of shared destiny that goes through thick and thin together as well as a community of shared interests featuring mutual benefit and win-win results. China and Africa enjoy mutual demands and advantages in their cooperation and development. China will adhere to the policy of sincerity, real results, affinity and good results, and the correct viewpoint of righteousness and benefit toward Africa, and work with friendly African countries to take the comprehensive implementation of outcomes of the FOCAC Johannesburg Summit as an opportunity, focus on implementing "ten major China-Africa cooperation plans", and closely combine China's development with assistance to Africa's development, so as to achieve win-win cooperation and common development.

Denis Sassou-Nguesso congratulated on the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and expressed that bilateral relations are unbreakable. Both countries have yielded remarkable results from cooperation in infrastructure, telecommunication, hydropower, health care and other areas for several years. The Republic of Congo and other African countries appreciate China's positive role in the international community especially in African affairs, and speak highly of the "ten major China-Africa cooperation plans" announced by President Xi Jinping during the FOCAC Johannesburg Summit. The Republic of Congo is willing to take the establishment of bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation as an opportunity to further promote bilateral cooperation as well as Africa-China cooperation. The Republic of Congo hopes to enhance bilateral cooperation in areas including special economic zone construction, production capacity, trade, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and welcomes Chinese enterprises to increase investment in the country. The Republic of Congo supports China's stance on the South China Sea issue and will continue to coordinate and cooperate closely with China in international affairs.

After the talks, both heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents in such areas as diplomacy, production capacity, economic technology, agriculture, culture, infrastructure, finance and local communication.

Before the talks, President Xi Jinping held a welcome ceremony for Denis Sassou-Nguesso at the square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. President Xi Jinping's wife Mme. Peng Liyuan, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhang Baowen, State Councilor Yang Jiechi, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Wang Jiarui and others were present.