The president of Republic of Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso is in China for a state visit from July 4 to 8. Chinese Presdient Xi Jinping welcomed him on Tuesday, and both leaders decided to lift their bilateral relations to new levels.

Chinese president Xi Jinping and his wife meet with Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso and his wife in Beijing, capital of China, July 5, 2016. [Xinhua]?

This is President Denis Sassou Nguesso's first trip outside Africa since being re-elected during the country's March 20 presidential elections.

Chinese President Xi Jinping warmly welcomed him and the two leaders decided to lift bilateral relations to comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

President Xi said the two countries have maintained sincere and friendly relations since establishing diplomatic ties 52 years ago.

China is willing to support the Republic of Congo in terms of infrastructure, agriculture, and energy cooperation.

President Nguesso hopes to deepen bilateral cooperation in the building of special economic zones, trade, and people-to-people exchanges, and welcomes more Chinese companies to invest in the country.

The Republic of Congo also supports China in its stance on the South China Sea, and will closely coordinate with China on international affairs.

Both presidents witnessed the signing of a series of cooperative agreements in areas of energy, infrastructure, finance and agriculture.