On the morning of August 24, 2023 local time, President Xi Jinping met with President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou-N'Guesso on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg.

Xi Jinping pointed out that President Denis Sassou-N'Guesso is an old and good friend of the Chinese people. The sound development of relations between China and the Republic of Congo is inseparable from the fact that President Denis Sassou-N'Guesso attaches great importance to and uphold friendship with China. Xi Jinping expressed thanks to the Republic of Congo for its firm support for China on issues concerning China's core interests, and said that China will, as always, firmly support the Republic of the Congo in safeguarding its national independence and opposing foreign interference, and support the country in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs. Xi said next year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Republic of Congo. China is ready to jointly plan for and hold grand celebrations of the anniversary with the Republic of Congo. China will also work with the Republic of Congo to maintain close exchanges, enhance political mutual trust, and deepen practical cooperation, to deliver more achievements in bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Denis Sassou-N'Guesso said that President Xi Jinping's successful state visit to the Republic of Congo in 2013 remains fresh in his memory. Chinese enterprises have undertaken many national development projects in the Republic of Congo, and friendship and cooperation with China are important contributing factors in the continued development of the Republic of Congo. Expressing his thanks to China for its valuable support and assistance to the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou-N'Guesso said that he is highly looking forward to the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between his country and China next year, which he hopes that both sides will take as an opportunity to promote greater development of bilateral relations. The Republic of Congo stands ready to deepen communication and cooperation with China in international affairs to jointly safeguard the interests of developing countries.

Cai Qi and Wang Yi, among others, were present at the meeting.