China has been pushing for investment deals, especially in gaining access to the continent's wealth of raw materials. But in Brazzaville, Wen insisted China's goal was "autonomous development" for Africa. "In cooperating with Africa, China is not seeking selfish interests," he said.

He added that China was operating under two principles: "reciprocal advantages and non-interference in Africa's internal affairs."

The Chinese leader was accorded an airport welcome by Congo's president, Denis Sassou Nguesso. The two countries signed accords that establish the basis for economic, commercial and technical cooperation, according to Congo's foreign ministry.

China also offered to donate medicines for fighting malaria to the west coast African nation. Brazzaville in turn agreed to buy two Chinese-made aircraft.

On Tuesday, Wen is due to meet the country's 500-strong Chinese community and visit one of two hospitals built by Beijing and staffed by Chinese medical workers.

He will also meet Congolese high school students studying Chinese, before leaving for Angola Tuesday. Trade between the two countries was worth 2.05 billion dollars (1.63 billion euros) in 2005, according to official figures, with China importing oil and wood and exporting finished goods and construction equipment.

In the past five years Chinese firms have won several contracts, among them the building of the foreign ministry, the headquarters of state radio and television and the biggest hydroelectric dam in the country, north of Brazzaville.

Wen's trip, the third by a high-profile Chinese leader to Africa over the past six months, is aimed at shoring up energy and mineral supplies for the Asian giant's booming economy.

It is also seen as aimed at securing markets for its consumer and industrial goods.

Wen has already been to Egypt and Ghana and will also visit South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda.

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