Honourable Minister, my dear brothers,
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to you and your esteemed team for the warm and gracious welcome we have received since our arrival in South Africa. Your hospitality, coupled with the efficiency and professionalism of your delegation, has set the stage for what has been a highly constructive engagement.
It is with great appreciation that I acknowledge the fruitful political consultations we have just concluded. Our discussions have not only reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of South Africa but have also enabled us to evaluate the progress made under our longstanding bilateral partnership.
Building on the Foundations of Progress
Our deliberations have been both significant and forward-looking, allowing us to assess the achievements of our predecessors while identifying new avenues for collaboration. I congratulate both of our delegations for establishing a framework with clear timelines, well-defined objectives, and measurable milestones. These structured efforts will ensure that our commitments translate into impactful outcomes for our respective nations.
In particular, we recognize the importance of continuity and follow-through on agreements made during the last Bilateral Commission Meeting (VNC), held in Kinshasa in July 2023. That meeting laid a solid foundation for cooperation, and our current discussions have reinforced our determination to build upon those commitments. We are committed to ensuring that the next session, to be hosted by South Africa, will be results-driven and focused on delivering tangible benefits for our people.
A People-Centered Partnership
Our engagement extends beyond diplomatic relations—it is about delivering real and meaningful progress for the citizens of our countries. We acknowledge that the success of government-to-government cooperation is measured by its ability to foster inclusive economic growth, job creation, and social development. That is why our teams will work diligently to ensure that the agreements we sign translate into concrete actions that improve the lives of our people.
We are particularly pleased that our working groups will actively coordinate to ensure that the next Bilateral Commission Meeting yields concrete deliverables, especially in key flagship projects and priority sectors. These include, but are not limited to:
• Trade and Investment: Enhancing bilateral trade and promoting investment opportunities between our two countries.
• Infrastructure Development: Strengthening cooperation in transportation, logistics, and connectivity to facilitate trade and regional integration.
• Energy and Natural Resources: Advancing collaboration on strategic energy projects that will drive sustainable development.
• Security and Governance: Reinforcing joint efforts to promote regional peace and stability, recognizing that security is a prerequisite for economic growth.
Grand Inga Hydropower Project: A Game-Changer for Regional Development
A particularly significant area of cooperation is the Grand Inga Hydropower Project, which has the potential to be a game-changer—not only for the DRC and South Africa but for the entire Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The successful implementation of this project will significantly boost energy security, industrialization, and economic growth across the continent.
We believe that strategic partnerships of this nature, underpinned by mutual trust and shared responsibility, will foster regional integration and prosperity. As nations, we are committed to leveraging our natural and human resources in a sustainable and equitable manner, ensuring that our development goals align with the aspirations of our people.
Conclusion: A Shared Vision for the Future
As we look ahead, our partnership will be guided by a shared vision of progress, mutual respect, and unwavering commitment to regional development. Through continued dialogue, cooperation, and concrete action, we will reinforce the strategic alliance between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of South Africa.
I extend my heartfelt appreciation once again for the productive discussions we have had, and I look forward to our continued collaboration in the spirit of unity, solidarity, and shared prosperity.
Thank you.
