Invited by his Gabonese counterpart, Brice-Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the Congolese Head of State stayed in Libreville as part of a visit centered on friendship, fraternity and the strengthening of cooperation between the two countries.

Three Cooperation Instruments Signed
On the first day of his visit, President Félix Tshisekedi and his Gabonese counterpart oversaw the signing of three cooperation instruments covering, in particular, the establishment of regular political and diplomatic consultations, reciprocal visa exemption, and general cooperation between the two states.

These agreements reflect the willingness of the two capitals to place their partnership within a more structured framework, with a stronger focus on tangible results.

The two Heads of State also agreed to promote investment, intensify exchanges between the private sectors and encourage the local processing of natural resources.

This approach opens up prospects in the industrial, economic and commercial sectors, as the DRC and Gabon both possess significant natural resources and seek to further develop local value chains.

Consultations between Kinshasa and Libreville are also expected to continue on issues relating to peace, stability and development across the continent, particularly in Central Africa.
Gabon Backs Juliana Amato Lumumba’s Candidacy

At the end of the first day, President Brice-Clotaire Oligui Nguema assured his Congolese counterpart of Gabon’s “full support” for Ms. Juliana Amato Lumumba’s candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).

This support gives an additional dimension to political cooperation between the two countries and reflects Libreville’s willingness to support certain initiatives promoted by Kinshasa on the international stage.

Exploring Gabon’s Timber Processing Model
The presidential visit also focused on economic and industrial issues, with a visit to the Nkok Special Economic Zone, regarded as one of Gabon’s major industrial processing hubs.

The two leaders were expected to explore Gabon’s model of local timber processing as part of an exchange of experience.

This stage is particularly significant for the DRC, which is also seeking to accelerate the local processing of its natural resources in order to create greater added value, jobs and opportunities for its population.

Cooperation between the two countries could therefore extend to the private sector and foster the emergence of new industrial partnerships.

Félix Tshisekedi Meets the Congolese Diaspora
In Libreville, President Félix Tshisekedi also met with the Congolese diaspora, addressing the main political and diplomatic issues currently of concern to the DRC.

The discussions notably focused on the Washington and Doha peace processes, launched to contribute to resolving the security crisis in the eastern part of the country, as well as on the proposed inclusive national dialogue.

The Head of State reaffirmed his determination to pursue diplomatic efforts in favor of lasting peace, while emphasizing respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

These various processes form part of a strategy aimed at prioritizing diplomatic and political avenues to achieve a lasting solution to the security crisis in eastern DRC.

“This Dialogue Will Be Different from All the Dialogues This Country Has Known”
One of the key political moments of the meeting with the diaspora was the discussion of the proposed inclusive national dialogue.

On this issue, Félix Tshisekedi announced that he would soon address the nation to clarify the scope and modalities of the initiative.

“This dialogue will be different from all the dialogues this country has known,” the President of the Republic said.

The announcement comes as debate over the holding of a national dialogue is attracting particular attention within the political class and Congolese society. From Libreville, the Head of State sought to reassure the public of his intention to give the initiative a different direction from previous political forums held in the DRC.

Félix Tshisekedi, Guest of Honor at Gabon’s Independence Celebrations
The symbolic dimension of the visit was also highlighted during celebrations marking Gabon’s 66th anniversary of independence.

President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi attended the military parade in Libreville, held on the Esplanade de la Concorde, as guest of honor of President Brice-Clotaire Oligui Nguema.

The presence of the Congolese Head of State alongside his Gabonese counterpart constituted a strong diplomatic gesture, underscoring the quality of relations between Kinshasa and Libreville.

The two countries share historical, cultural and human ties that go beyond the institutional framework and are rooted in a long tradition of relations between the peoples of Central Africa.

Tribute to Georges Damas Aleka
On the sidelines of the independence celebrations, Félix Tshisekedi also took part in the inauguration of a monument erected in honor of Georges Damas Aleka, an emblematic figure in Gabon’s cultural history and composer of the country’s national anthem.

The Congolese President’s participation in this highly symbolic ceremony added a cultural dimension to his visit and reflected the importance attached by both states to memory, history and national heritage.

A New Dynamic for Kinshasa-Libreville Relations
At the end of the visit, the DRC and Gabon have demonstrated their determination to give fresh momentum to their partnership.

From diplomatic cooperation to the economy, local processing of natural resources, investment, people-to-people mobility, and peace and stability issues, the two countries intend to broaden the areas of their cooperation.

The signing of the three cooperation instruments, Gabon’s support for the Congolese candidate for the OIF leadership, discussions on industrial timber processing and consultations on regional issues are all signs of a shared determination to consolidate bilateral relations.

For both Kinshasa and Libreville, the challenge now is to translate these political commitments into concrete projects capable of benefiting both economies and their populations.

Félix Tshisekedi’s visit to Gabon therefore emerges as a major diplomatic milestone, combining bilateral cooperation, economic diplomacy, regional peace and security issues, African solidarity and closer ties between the two peoples.

Through this approach, Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Brice-Clotaire Oligui Nguema seek to place DRC-Gabon relations within a dynamic of strengthened partnership, serving the stability and development of Central Africa.

Mike Pakoto | TOP243NEWS

Cet article RDC-Gabon:Félix Tshisekedi and Brice-Clotaire Oligui Nguema Strengthen the Strategic Partnership between Kinshasa and Libreville est apparu en premier sur Top243news.com.