China is willing to expand cooperation with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and to promote bilateral ties between the two countries, said Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in Beijing Monday.

Li made the remarks during the talks with his DRC counterpart Raymond Ramazani Baya, who arrived in Beijing Sunday on a seven-day official visit to China.

Li spoke positively of the friendly and cooperative ties between China and the DRC, and expressed the appreciation for the DRC's adherence to one-China policy.

The Chinese side is willing to make concerted efforts with the DRC to enhance friendly exchanges in various levels, to expand cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, culture, education and health, to strengthen coordination and consultation in international affairs, and to lift the bilateral ties into a new level, Li said.

Li expressed his admiration for the progress achieved in the DRC's peace process, noting that the Chinese government will, as always, firmly support the DRC's peace process, and play constructive role for an early and overall realization of peace in the DRC.

Baya said the DRC and China enjoys sound relations, and the DRC government appreciates China's support and help in the DRC's peace process and the country's construction.

The DRC is willing to expand cooperation with China in such fields as economy and trade, so as to promote further development of bilateral ties, Baya added.

(Xinhua News Agency November 2, 2004)