BEIJING - China on Wednesday expressed willingness to cooperate more in industry and infrastructure with the Democratic Republic of Congo, where a lack of infrastructure has limited the development of the resource-rich Central African country.

"China is a most desirable and reliable long-term partner for DR Congo's modernization and industrialization," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his DR Congo counterpart, Raymond Tshibanda.

The two foreign ministers co-chaired the first consultation at the foreign minister level in Beijing on Wednesday. Wang said China and DR Congo complement each other in economic development.

"China is willing to prioritize cooperation with DR Congo in fields such as agriculture, industrial capacity, infrastructure, culture, peace and security as well as international affairs," Wang said.

China views its relationship with DR Congo from a strategic and long-term perspective, and will work with the country to make their bilateral relationship a model for China-Africa cooperation, Wang said.

Tshibanda thanked China for its assistance to his country's development, saying he hopes for more cooperation with China in diplomacy, politics, security and economy.

Both sides also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and on international and regional issues.