Japan's economy and industry minister Nishimura Yasutoshi has visited the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he sought to bolster ties with the African nation through mineral exploration projects and business exchanges.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the world's largest producer of cobalt with about 70 percent of the global share. Cobalt is an essential mineral for electric vehicle batteries.

Nishimura visited the capital Kinshasa on Thursday to attend a signing ceremony on a mineral exploration project between Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security and the DRC Ministry of Mines.

The project aims to search for cobalt and lithium by using satellite data analysis and other latest technologies.

Nishimura also met Prime Minister Sama Lukonde. They agreed that the two countries will strengthen their relationship, and Japan will send a public-private business mission aimed at increasing investment.

Japan regards the DRC as a key country as it rolls out the resources diplomacy. But it is lagging behind China in securing mining interests.

Japan is now aiming to ensure a stable supply of important minerals through broad-ranging economic cooperation.