Chinese President Xi Jinping said that to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with African countries is always China's resolute strategic choice.
In a telephone conversation with Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi, Xi said China supports the DRC playing its role as the rotating chair of the African Union (AU), and stands ready to work with the DRC to cement communication and coordination and make a success of the next meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
The DRC's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative has set up a new platform and opened up new prospects for bilateral cooperation, Xi said.
The Chinese side, he added, is ready to work with the DRC to plan their cooperation for the next stage, and strengthen practical cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, infrastructure, health, agriculture and culture, so as to lift bilateral relations to new highs.
He suggested that China and Africa deepen cooperation in such fields as construction of free trade zones, public health, peace and security, as well as climate change, and jointly open a new chapter of their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
Xi also said that China supports Africa in implementing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and will encourage the international community to join forces in supporting Africa's development.