On April 19, 2022, Vice Foreign Minister Deng Li met with new Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to China Balumuene Nkuna F at the latter's request.

Deng Li welcomed Balumuene's assumption of office, saying that China and the DRC are good friends and boast a sound political and economic foundation for the development of bilateral relations. China is ready to work with the DRC to strengthen confidence in cooperation, explore innovative ways of cooperation and expand areas of cooperation, to bring more benefits to the two peoples.

Balumuene thanked China for its long-term assistance and support for the DRC's economic and social development, saying that the DRC attaches great importance to developing relations with China and is ready to strengthen bilateral cooperation in infrastructure, electricity and agriculture and other key fields, and jointly build strategic and exemplary bilateral cooperative relations.