China, DRC To Strengthen Bilateral Ties Through Signing a $6 Billion Infrastructure-for-Minerals Agreement

The Chinese foreign ministry on Monday confirmed the trip of the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, who is to embark on a visit to China from today, May 24th to  29th aiming to sign significant economic agreements.

Both countries are set to revise and finalize a $6 Billion infrastructure-for-minerals agreement and reinforce bilateral ties and cooperation.

Exclusive reports reaching our desk indicate that High-level meetings were scheduled between President Tshisekedi and Chinese leaders to discuss cooperation, including discussions on the Belt and Road Initiative and strengthening trade relations.

At a regular press briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that the Democratic Republic of Congo is an important country in Africa, and the friendship between both countries has got a long history.

“Both sides have always supported each other on issues related to each other’s core interests and major concerns. In recent years, political mutual trust between China and the Democratic Republic of Congo has been continuously deepening, and practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results,” Mao said.

Qin Gang, the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, who met with Christophe Lutundula, the DRC’s vice prime minister and foreign minister, on Monday, said that China’s close ally and brother and for that matter, this upcoming meeting will formulate high-level plans and identify the strategic course for the advancement of bilateral ties in the future.

He further disclosed China’s willingness to partner with DRC to advance high-quality cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He also declared DRC as the largest trading partner and source of investment, and that it’s the world’s largest producer of battery material cobalt.