On March 24, 2009, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) Joseph Kabila met with Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun in Kinshasa. During the meeting, Kabila said the two countries enjoy a profound traditional friendship and their pragmatic cooperation is fruitful. DR Congo will further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with China to achieve win-win results.

Zhai conveyed the greetings from President Hu Jintao to President Kabila and expressed welcome for a series of major positive changes recently taking place in the situation of the eastern part of DR Congo. He said China is ready to work with the international community to continue playing a constructive role for an early resumption of peace, stability and development in the eastern part of DR Congo.

Zhai emphasized that against the backdrop of the current global financial crisis, China and DR Congo should join hands to overcome difficulties. He expressed belief that with the joint efforts of both sides, their traditional friendly, cooperative relations will continue to develop in a healthy and smooth manner and bring more benefits to both peoples.

Zhai Jun arrived in Kinshasa on March 23 for a visit. He also held talks with Congolese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ignace Gata Mavita and Prime Minister Adolphe Muzito on the same day.