Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said in Beijing Wednesday that China is willing to strengthen consultation and cooperation with the Republic of the Congo in a bid to further promote friendly ties between the two countries.

Tang made the remark during a meeting with Rodolphe Adada, the Congo's minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and French Affairs, who is accompanying President Sassau on his China visit.

Tang spoke highly of the development of friendly cooperation between the two countries since they forged diplomatic relations 36 years ago.

He said that China and the Congo, both developing countries, share common views and interests on many major international issues.

He noted that the two countries have always respected one another, treated each other as equals and cooperated in a honest and sincere manner, and added that the Chinese foreign ministry is willing to enhance consultation and cooperation with the Congolese side.

Tang expressed his gratitude for the Congolese government's active response to the proposal for the convocation of a "Forum on China- Africa Cooperation -- Ministerial Conference Beijing 2000." He said he looks forward to seeing Adada at the forum, which is scheduled for October this year.

Adada said that President Sassau's current China tour has been very successful, and that the Congolese government will continue to stick to the "one China" position and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China.

The Congolese ministry of foreign affairs and cooperation and French affairs is also willing to expand exchange and cooperation with the Chinese foreign ministry, Adada said.

The forum on China- Africa cooperation will be a good opportunity to reinforce the cooperative ties between the Congo and China, as well as other African countries and China, he noted, adding that the Congo will take an active part in the forum.