On January 6, 2021 local time, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi met with visiting State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Kinshasa.

Tshisekedi asked Wang Yi to convey his cordial greetings to President Xi Jinping. Tshisekedi said the DRC cherishes its friendship with China, always regards China as a good friend, and is willing to carry on the friendly tradition between the two countries and further develop bilateral relations. The DRC thanks China for assisting the country with the pandemic response and economic development, and hopes to re-open the joint economic and trade committee between the two countries as soon as possible to push for more mutually beneficial results of bilateral cooperation that will benefit the peoples. The DRC staunchly supports China on the issues relating to Taiwan and Hong Kong. The DRC, which will soon assume the rotating chair of the African Union (AU), is willing to actively participate in Africa-China cooperation and welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest in the country and strengthen cooperation in infrastructure and other areas. He hopes the two sides will step up coordination and cooperation and expand Africa's voice in international affairs.

Wang Yi conveyed President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings to Tshisekedi. Wang Yi said, mutual support and mutual trust is a fine tradition between China and the DRC. China appreciates the DRC government's willingness to carry forward the tradition of China-DRC friendship and wants to be the DRC's long-term and reliable partner. His visit aims to convey three clear messages:

First, China supports the DRC government in safeguarding national unity and stability. Stability is a prerequisite for development. Without stability, all is out of the question. China never interferes in other countries' internal affairs and respects the choice made by the people of the DRC. China cherishes old friends and also values making new friends. China is ready to continue to speak out for the DRC in the international arena. China believes that the two sides will continue to stand firmly together on issues concerning each other's core interests.

Second, China supports the DRC government in developing and prospering the economy. China is ready to convene a meeting of the joint economic and trade committee with the DRC at an early date to help the DRC translate its resources advantages into development advantages. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which was signed by the two countries during this visit, will push mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries to a new level. China-DRC cooperation is South-South cooperation and mutual help and support between friends. China has never attached political strings to its assistance to the DRC, and is ready to spur the two countries' cooperation based on the needs of the DRC and to help the DRC develop itself and improve people's livelihood on an independent footing. The Chinese side has been urging Chinese companies in the DRC to follow the right approach to justice and interests, abide by the laws and regulations of the DRC and respect local customs and habits.

Third, China supports the DRC in assuming the rotating chair of the AU. China and Africa are a community with a shared future, and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has played an important role in advancing China-Africa relations and the development of African countries. China is ready to step up communication and coordination with the DRC and make positive contributions to the success of the new session of the FOCAC. China congratulates the commencement of the African Continental Free Trade Area, supports Africa's efforts to strengthen itself through unity and promote integration, and hopes that Africa will play a bigger role in international affairs.

Wang Yi stressed, China fought shoulder to shoulder with the DRC on its road to national independence, and China is a win-win partner in the DRC's pursuit of development and prosperity. He believes that with the joint efforts of both sides, the traditional friendship between China and the DRC will surely write a new chapter in history.

On the same day, Wang Yi also held talks with DRC Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs Marie Tumba Nzeza and jointly met the press. Following the talks, the two foreign ministers signed an MoU between the two governments on jointly promoting the construction of the BRI.