BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday met with President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso, who is in Beijing for the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

Describing the Republic of the Congo as an active participant and important partner in the Belt and Road cooperation, Xi said that friendly cooperation between the two countries has yielded tangible results.

Xi said that China is willing to explore and foster new areas of cooperation such as the digital economy and green development with the Republic of the Congo, and promote their comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation to new heights.

Xi said that China supports the Republic of the Congo in maintaining national independence, opposing foreign interference, and playing a greater role in international and regional affairs.

Sassou Nguesso said that the Belt and Road Initiative is a great project that offers the world a new model of inclusive development.

He said that China is a major contributor to global economic growth. The Republic of the Congo looks forward to strengthening practical cooperation with China in areas such as infrastructure and green energy, and maintaining close communication and coordination within frameworks including the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

The Republic of the Congo actively supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by Xi, Sassou Nguesso noted, saying that they are conducive to upholding multilateralism and international fairness and justice.

Senior Chinese officials Cai Qi and Wang Yi attended the meeting.