Tshisekedi lauds Cairo’s role in promoting peace, stability in Africa
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s unwavering support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), stressing Cairo’s commitment to backing regional and international efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in eastern Congo.
President Sisi’s remarks came during a joint press conference with President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Félix Tshisekedi following their talks in Cairo on Wednesday, Presidency Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed el-Shennawy said.
The president called for strengthening economic ties, expanding investments, and deepening co-operation across various sectors between the two countries.
The Egyptian president welcomed his Congolese counterpart on his fourth visit to Egypt, describing it as a reflection of the deep-rooted and distinguished relations between the two countries and the growing momentum of their strategic partnership, the presidency spokesman said.
The two leaders held extensive talks covering bilateral co-operation, water resources, regional developments, and the situation in eastern DRC.
The two presidents witnessed the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at advancing co-operation between Cairo and Kinshasa.
President Sisi reiterated the importance of translating the strong political ties between the two countries into greater trade exchange and increased mutual investments. He highlighted the expertise of Egyptian companies, particularly in infrastructure, energy, reconstruction, and development projects, reaffirming Egypt’s readiness to support the DRC’s development priorities and provide technical assistance, capacity-building programmes, and institutional support.
In the field of water resources and Nile Basin co-operation, President Sisi underlined the importance of adhering to international law governing transboundary rivers, rejecting unilateral measures among Nile Basin countries, and promoting dialogue, goodwill, and consensus to achieve shared benefits without harming any party.
He also reiterated Egypt’s commitment to supporting water management and dam projects in the DRC that serve development objectives without causing harm to other states. He also stressed the importance of enhancing co-operation through the Egyptian mechanism for studying and financing projects in Nile Basin countries.
“All Egypt seeks is adherence to the principles of international law and good neighbourliness, the achievement of mutual benefit for all peoples of the Nile Basin, and the avoidance of harm to any party,” the president said. He added that joint efforts are being exerted to maximise the benefits and ensure the sustainable management of the river’s resources — our shared lifeline.
Addressing the security situation in eastern Congo, President Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s solidarity with the Congolese people in facing the ongoing humanitarian crisis. In this respect, he voiced Cairo’s readiness to provide medical, food, and humanitarian assistance.
He highlighted the importance of sustaining African and international mediation efforts to encourage all concerned parties to engage seriously in peaceful solutions based on responsibility and good faith.
The Egyptian president also expressed Egypt’s readiness to contribute to post-conflict reconstruction and peacebuilding efforts in the DRC through Egyptian companies and specialised institutions, drawing on Egypt’s extensive expertise in these fields. He stressed that African-led mediation remains essential to securing lasting peace and stability.
For his part, President Tshisekedi expressed appreciation for the warm reception he received during his visits to Egypt and praised Cairo’s continued support for his country in various fields. He commended Egypt’s constructive role in promoting peace and stability across Africa, particularly its efforts to support peace initiatives in eastern DRC.
President Tshisekedi also praised Egypt’s approach toward Nile Basin co-operation, describing it as one based on consensus and support for the development aspirations of all countries in the Basin. He emphasised the importance of maintaining close coordination with Egypt on issues of common interest.
The talks reflected the two leaders’ shared commitment to elevating Egyptian-Congolese relations to broader horizons, building on their historical ties that date back to the DRC’s independence in 1960 and decades of diplomatic co-operation between the two African nations.
