CAIRO – 22 November 2024: Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with members of the Egyptian police battalion participating in peacekeeping missions as part of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) during his official visit to the capital Kinshasa.
Abdelatty expressed his pride in the noble role played by the battalion in enhancing peace, security, and stability in the DR Congo, as well as in building trust among local communities and supporting development efforts.
The foreign minister commended the exceptional efforts exerted by Egyptian police officers.
He emphasized that their participation in peace missions reflects Egypt's historical commitment to supporting stability in Africa and actively contributing to international peace and security.
Abdelatty lauded the professionalism and expertise demonstrated by Egyptian police and military missions, which have positioned Egypt as one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping forces.
He noted that the presence of the Egyptian battalion in the DR Congo reflects the depth of historical relations between the two countries and the importance of strategic partnership with countries in the South Nile Basin.
The minister praised the commitment and discipline of the battalion members and their national role in carrying out their duties with dedication and sincerity, showcasing Egypt's standing and leadership.
He affirmed that the Egyptian state is proud of their efforts and dedication in serving humanity and preserving international peace and security.
Abdelatty started a visit to Kinshasa on Thursday aiming to enhance relations between Egypt and the DR Congo in various fields and discuss bolstering economic collaboration and development partnerships with senior Congolese officials.
During his visit, Abdelatty held expanded political talks with Foreign Minister Thérèse Wagner of the DR Congo on Thursday, discussing boosting trade and investments between both countries and addressing regional and global issues of concern.
NILE, COLLABORATION
Meanwhile, the foreign ministers discussed the Nile water issue, highlighting the importance of applying the principles of international law, especially the principles of prior notification, prevention of harm.
They underlined the necessity of adhering to these principles in any discussions concerning the Nile waters and other transboundary rivers, as well as the principles of harmony, cooperation, consultation, data and information exchange.
Abdelatty expressed Egypt's commitment to contribute to the implementation of development projects in the DR Congo, particularly in the fields of energy and infrastructure.
He announced Egypt's contribution to the financing of the MBANKANA 1 Dam located on one of the tributaries of the Congo River, as part of Egypt's commitment to supporting the developmental needs of the DR Congo.
Abdelatty highlighted Egypt's launch of a mechanism for financing development projects in the countries of the South Nile Basin.
He also noted Egypt’s establishment of a specialized cardiac surgery department at the Kinshasa General Hospital, equipped by the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development (EAPD) with medical equipment and operating rooms for catheterization and open-heart surgeries.
Egypt also deployed doctors to transfer expertise and train Congolese staff.
Meanwhile, the foreign ministers discussed the situation in eastern Congo, the Nile Basin, Sudan, Somalia, and tensions in the Middle East.
Following the consultations, the ministers signed an agreement for mutual exemption from entry visa requirements for holders of official passports, aimed at facilitating visits of high-level officials to enhance relations between the two sides.
BOOSTING TRADE
Furthermore, Abdelatty, along with a high-level delegation of Egyptian businessmen, met with a number of Congolese businessmen with the aim of bolstering economic ties and trade between both countries.
The minister invited the Congolese businessmen to establish partnerships with the Egyptian private sector and to work on increasing trade exchange.
He also called on them to explore opportunities for joint projects in the agricultural and industrial sectors, benefiting from the investment advantages offered by Egypt, including skilled labor and trade agreements with various countries.
Abdelatty witnessed the signing of contracts between Egyptian and Congolese businessmen to establish developmental projects in the DR Congo.
He emphasized the readiness of the Egyptian government to provide the necessary support to Egyptian and Congolese businessmen, ensuring the enhancement of economic partnership between the two countries and contributing to achieving sustainable development in Africa.
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