The ambassador of Congo to China, Pierre Passi, said yesterday that the newly elected president of the African Union (AU), also the president of Congo, Denis Sassou-Nguesso, will go on exerting to promote the friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and African countries.

 

Passi made the remarks during an interview with Xinhua News Agency before a reception held for African diplomats in China to celebrate the election of Nguesso as new AU president.

 

Passi said China and African countries have a long history of traditional friendship, and that Congo and China, as old friends for years, share similar stances on many international issues and actively cooperate in various fields.

 

Noting that Congo is a major trading partner of China, he said Chinese companies participate in many construction projects in Congo, and that the Congolese government sends a large number of students to China annually and artists of the two countries conduct frequent visits.

 

Passi said Congo will attach great importance to the upcoming first summit of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, to be held in Beijing, and it will be a good opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties between Congo and China.

 

Passi also reiterated the Congo's adherence to the one-China policy, and strongly denounced Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's decision to cease the function of the "National Unification Council" and the application of the "National Unification Guidelines," saying that these actions will increase tension in cross-Straits relations and undermine peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

In his speech at the reception, Passi also called on all African countries to make joint efforts to strive for peace and development within the African continent.

 

Africa is facing challenges of security, poverty and political stability, Passi said. President Nguesso will take measures during his term in a bid to realize peace and stability in the African continent.

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 7, 2006)