China and Sudan first established diplomatic ties in 1959. Since then, the two countries have forged close economic and trade relations. China is now Sudan's largest trade partner, and Sudan ranks third among China's African economic partners. CGTN reporter Meng Qingsheng sat down with Osama Faisal, Sudan's state minister of foreign affairs, and discussed bilateral cooperation.

MENG QINGSHENG CGTN REPORTER "China and Sudan have maintained sound diplomatic ties for nearly six decades. How do you view these bilateral relations so far?"

OSAMA FAISAL SUDAN'S STATE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS "The Chinese, Sudanese diplomatic ties have been some of the most distinguished ties we have had in our Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And we've had a lot of important issues that we have dealt with together. We believe that our relationship with China is one of the most important ones, particularly the economic side of it. As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we are very appreciative of this relationship with our counterpart, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China."

MENG QINGSHENG CGTN REPORTER "In recent years, there has been an increased presence of Chinese companies in Sudan. What do you think of the companies' overall performance?"

OSAMA FAISAL SUDAN'S STATE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS "In the very difficult time of Sudan when there's American sanction on Sudan. The Chinese companies have been operating solely in Sudan. They were the only companies with access to finance, and they were the only companies working with the Sudanese private sector to explore the opportunities in Sudan. The Sudanese community and government appreciate very much the performance of Chinese companies led by CNPC. And there's been much contribution by these companies on the social corporate responsibility. For a bit of a time, there have been challenges facing the work of the Chinese companies. But we have managed together with dialogue to surmount these challenges, and now we are opening a new page, inviting more companies to come to Khartoum, and enjoy having a relationship with Sudanese private sector, explore the business opportunities."

MENG QINGSHENG CGTN REPORTER "What measures will Sudan take to attract Chinese investment? And what are the potential areas for future cooperation?"

OSAMA FAISAL SUDAN'S STATE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS "It has always been a special attention by Chinese companies. As I mentioned, in the past, the Chinese companies have always operated solely. So there's special attention from the presidency, from the ministry of investment on the Chinese companies. Now we are intending also to fast track all the businesses coming from the Chinese side to Sudan. And we are intending to open new doors in sectors like mineral sector, tourism, production of meat. We are intending to increase exports from Sudan to China, to add on our balance sheet."

MENG QINGSHENG CGTN REPORTER "The Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation will be held in Beijing this September. Can you share with us your expectations?"

OSAMA FAISAL SUDAN'S STATE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS "It's going to be a tremendous opportunity for Chinese companies to start a new page with China. I'm sure there's going to be many opportunities, particularly the business side as proposed by the two sides. As you know, in Africa, there are a lot of resources and a lot of opportunities. China has got capital and a very powerful and strong private sector. Sudan started cooperation with China economically a long time ago. Most of the neighboring countries got their economic relationship with China through Sudan. So we believe this is a real opportunity for African countries to attend this summit. President Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir will also be attending this summit, and there's going to be important issues to be discussed with President Xi at that time."