The Republic of Congo cherishes the 50 years of close friendship with China and hopes that President Xi Jinping's visit to Brazzaville on Friday - the first by a Chinese head of state since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1964 - will bring even greater cooperation, said Daniel Owassa, the country's ambassador to China.

"The Republic of Congo and China have always maintained a sound relationship, which is being proved once again by President Xi's visit," Owassa said.

Bilateral trade between Beijing and Brazzaville has seen steady growth in recent years. In 2011, the trade volume reached an all-time high of $5.16 billion, up 48.5 percent year-on-year. The country ranks second among 24 central and western African countries, and seventh on the continent, in terms of trade with China.