Brazzaville: The Republic of Congo's Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso remarked at the opening ceremony of the 4th China-Africa Local Government Collaboration Forum that the two countries' partnership should be strengthened by significantly expanding cooperation between their local governments.

About 300 political figures from African countries, as well as representatives from local governments and key institutions from China and Africa, attended the online event on Tuesday. According to sources, the Congolese Prime Minister praised "Congo's frequent participation in the sessions of this forum" in a speech delivered via video link from Brazzaville, an occasion that reflects "the brilliance of multifarious relations" between the two countries. At the local government level, Makosso highlighted the benefits of the bilateral collaboration.

The two countries have benefited from the "constant strengthening of the Congo-China partnership at the level of local government," he said, citing a twinning programme between bilateral cities, the donation of anti-Covid-19 medical equipment from Chinese municipalities, and reciprocal delegation visits.

According to Makosso, the two countries should promote collaboration between their local governments in order to serve the interests of their peoples, and both sides should rise to the challenges, particularly in the areas of urban governance, poverty reduction, public health, and innovative development.

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