China donated office equipment to the Republic of Congo on Friday ahead of its presidential election set in July, according to reports reaching Kingshasa.

Chinese Ambassador Li Shuli handed over the donation to Congolese officials in the capital Brazzaville. The office equipment includes computers and photocopy machines needed by Congolese authorities for the upcoming election.

Seraphin Ondele, cabinet director of the Congolese Territorial Administration, expressed thanks for China's support, saying "the Chinese donation will improve the electoral work."

The Chinese ambassador wished Congo a vote of "peace, unity and national harmony."

(Xinhua News Agency February 1, 2009)