Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdel Aty recently met with his Congolese counterpart, Therese Kikwamba Wagner, on the sidelines of the sixth coordination meeting of the African Union and regional economic groupings. The meeting, held on July 19, 2024, focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new avenues for cooperation. Dr. Abdel Aty emphasized Egypt’s commitment to supporting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in various sectors, highlighting the historical ties and mutual interests that bind the two nations. The discussions underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving regional stability and economic growth.
During the meeting, Dr. Abdel Aty expressed his aspiration for more robust coordination and cooperation between Egypt and the DRC. He highlighted the unprecedented boom in bilateral relations in recent years, attributing this progress to the shared vision and mutual respect between the two countries. The Egyptian Foreign Minister emphasized the need for continuous dialogue and collaboration to address common challenges and leverage opportunities for growth.
Dr. Abdel Aty also underscored Egypt’s commitment to enhancing security and stability in the DRC. He mentioned the training courses provided by Egypt to Congolese security personnel and the participation of Egyptian police battalions in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC. These efforts reflect Egypt’s dedication to supporting the DRC in its quest for peace and stability.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to maintain close coordination and consultation on regional and international issues of common interest. This commitment to ongoing dialogue is expected to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Egypt and the DRC, fostering a more stable and prosperous future for both nations.
Economic Cooperation and Development
Economic cooperation was a key focus of the discussions between Dr. Abdel Aty and Minister Wagner. The Egyptian Foreign Minister highlighted the potential for increased trade and investment between the two countries, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, and energy. He emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment for business and investment, which would benefit both economies.
Dr. Abdel Aty also discussed Egypt’s efforts to support the DRC’s economic development through various initiatives and projects. He mentioned the technical assistance provided by Egyptian experts in areas such as agriculture, water management, and renewable energy. These initiatives aim to enhance the DRC’s capacity to achieve sustainable development and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
The two ministers agreed on the need to explore new opportunities for economic cooperation and to strengthen existing partnerships. They emphasized the importance of leveraging their respective strengths and resources to achieve mutual benefits. This collaborative approach is expected to drive economic growth and development in both countries, contributing to regional stability and prosperity.
Enhancing Regional Stability
The meeting between Dr. Abdel Aty and Minister Wagner also focused on enhancing regional stability and addressing security challenges. The Egyptian Foreign Minister reiterated Egypt’s support for the DRC’s efforts to combat terrorism and maintain peace and security. He highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in addressing security threats and promoting stability.
Dr. Abdel Aty mentioned Egypt’s participation in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC, which has been ongoing for over two decades. He emphasized Egypt’s commitment to continuing its support for the DRC during and after the transition period following the departure of the UN mission. This long-term commitment reflects Egypt’s dedication to promoting peace and stability in the region.
The two ministers also discussed the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict and instability, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education and healthcare. They agreed on the need for comprehensive and sustainable solutions that address these underlying issues and promote social and economic development. By working together, Egypt and the DRC can contribute to a more stable and secure region.