DR Congo to Chair Virtual AU Summit Next Week

On February 6th and 7th, the African Union (AU) will hold its annual summit under the rotating chairmanship of Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President, Félix Tshisekedi, for 2021.

The AU summit will be attended by heads of states and prime minister of its member states. DR Congo will formally assume the presidency of the union for a year, succeeding South Africa.

During the summit, the African leaders will focus on conflicts in Africa, mainly in Libya and South Sudan, as well as terrorism issues and post-election protests.

On Tuesday, Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi received Tuesday Tshisekedi in the latter’s first visit to Egypt.

Both leaders held bilateral meetings at Ittihadiya Palace, as well as discussions with both countries’ delegations attending.

After discussions, Sisi and Tshisekedi held a press conference. The Egyptian president welcomed his Congolese counterpart, signaling the historic relations between both countries since liberation during the last century.

President Sisi ensured that discussions were fruitful, and sought to enhance strategic partnership.

He added that the bilateral talks stressed the importance of increasing the volume of the trade exchange between both countries.

In addition, both leaders agreed to further push forward ties mutual visits, activating joint business committee, exchanging experiences, and enhancing bilateral cooperation in the water resource field.

Concerning Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Sisi stressed that the Nile River is ‘a source of cooperation and development’.

They also discussed GERD developments with the aim of reaching a binding agreement between all parties.