The Republic of the Congo, referred to as Congo (Brazzaville), is located in the central and western parts of the African continent. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations with China in 1964, China and Congo have continued to deepen cooperation in various fields. The exchanges between the people of China and Congo lay a solid foundation for the Belt and Road Initiative.

With the equator passing through the middle of the Republic of Congo, the intense light leads to common eye diseases. Tianjin Eye Hospital established an Ophthalmology Center at China-Congo Friendship Hospital in 2016 in response to local needs. In addition to free surgery for local residents, it also provides a medical team for the countryside, demonstration teaching.

Ophthalmic surgery at the center [Photo/enorth.com.cn]

 Congo reflects China's aid to Africa. Since 1963, China has dispatched about 20,000 aid medical personnel to 51 countries and regions in Africa, and has treated hundreds of millions of patients. In the past 50 years, Tianjin has dispatched 45 medical teams and 1237 medical personnel to African countries, received 7.92 million patient cases, and trained a large number of medical personnel for the local government.

Patients at China-Congo Friendship Hospital [Photo/enorth.com.cn]

The Congo River, the second longest river in Africa, flows through the territory of the Republic of the Congo for more than 1,000 kilometers and flows into the Atlantic Ocean twice after crossing the equator. As early as more than 2,000 years ago, humans lived in the lower reaches of the Congo River, so this river is also known as the mother river of Central and West Africa. 

However, with the acceleration of the urbanization process in Brazzaville, the Congolese capital, the Congo's original drainage model has caused problems for the fishermen.Due to the lack of municipal drainage facilities, most of the untreated domestic sewage flows directly into the Congo River through open ditches along the road.

Therefore, river protection is a priority for Chinese team in construction.The business center under construction on the Congo River, a landmark building in Central and West Africa, is designed by Tianjin Architectural Design Institute. They introduced Tianjin's Sponge City concept in rain and sewage drainage. The high cost, in their eyes, is fully justified by protecting the mother river and sound environment.

Business center under construction on the Congo River [Photo/enorth.com.cn]

Workers prepare for drainage systerm [Photo/enorth.com.cn]

Chine-Africa friendship stands the test of time. The Belt and Road Initiative is highly aligned with the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the AU's 2063 Agenda.

It can also help the continent integrate and meet the vision of African integration. China-Africa friendship will be strengthened by establishing the China-Africa Destiny Community through the Belt and Road Initiative.