Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, on Friday chatted over tea with Antoinette Sassou Nguesso, wife of President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso.

Antoinette and Denis Sassou Nguesso are in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the president's state visit to China.

Peng recalled with pleasure the unforgettable experience of accompanying President Xi on his visit to the Republic of the Congo.

Appreciating Antoinette's long-term commitment to the development of medical and health services in Africa, Peng said that China and the Republic of the Congo are as close as one family.

She voiced the hope that the two sides will strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields for the benefit of the people.

Antoinette expressed appreciation to the Chinese side, especially Peng, for the valuable support China has provided for the promotion of the African people's health and women's and children's cause.

She also expressed her willingness to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China in the fields of health, education and other areas, contributing to the deepening of Africa-China friendship.