China's vision of environmental conservation earned praise from Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso, who said it coincides with the West African country's concept of sustainable development.

In an exclusive interview with China Media Group in Brazzaville, Sassou Nguesso spoke highly of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visionary leadership.

"I think President Xi Jinping is a great leader. A leader must first have a vision. President Xi is very visionary and has profound insight not only into the Chinese people but also into the relationship between China and the rest of the world, which I admire deeply," he said. 

Particularly on the issue of upholding the natural environment, President Xi has emphasized in speeches that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets."