The South China Morning Post reported (January 10) that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Nigeria, Congo (DRC), Botswana, Tanzania and Seychelles between January 4 and 9. During his visit to the Congo (DRC) and Botswana, both countries agreed to join the "Belt and Road" Initiative. In return, China cancelled the interest on Congo (DRC) loans worth US$28 million due in 2020 and provided US$17 million in financial support. Wang Yi also promised that Beijing will continue to provide funding for infrastructure projects in the Congo (DRC) energy and mining industries. In Tanzania, a Chinese company won a US$1.3 billion contract to build a major railway line. At a press briefing in Tanzania on January 8, Wang Yi said, “China is ready to help Africa increase its infrastructure construction and increase trade and financial ties with each other.” In Seychelles, Wang Yi said that the two countries will cooperate in seafood cultivation, marine scientific research and transportation, and encourage more Chinese tourists to travel here. During his tour Wang Yi pleadged to strengthen cooperation in a range of sectors, including health, security, agriculture, and vital infrastructure.