Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Cairo on Thursday, reaffirming the deep-rooted relations between the two African nations and their shared commitment to advancing peace, stability, and development across the continent.
The meeting was attended by Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam, alongside Congolese officials including Minister of Culture and Heritage Eliébie Mandimbuyoland and Ambassador Kasongo Musenga Jean-Baptiste.
According to Presidential Spokesman Mohamed El-Shenawy, President El-Sisi welcomed his Congolese counterpart, lauding his participation in the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum, an event the Egyptian leader said “reflects the depth of historical and brotherly ties between Egypt and the DRC.”
El-Sisi expressed his eagerness to host Tshisekedi again in an upcoming bilateral visit aimed at further strengthening cooperation, pledging Egypt’s readiness to provide “all forms of support” to help the DRC overcome economic challenges. He emphasized that Egypt views its relationship with the DRC as part of a strategic partnership grounded in mutual respect and African solidarity.
President Tshisekedi, on his part, conveyed his sincere appreciation for Egypt’s ongoing assistance and warm reception, noting Cairo’s “steadfast support” for Congolese development efforts. He praised the growing partnership between the two countries, particularly in infrastructure, water management, and capacity building — areas he said reflect Egypt’s “genuine commitment to African unity and shared progress.”
Discussions also focused on regional peace efforts, especially Egypt’s support for the peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, brokered under U.S. auspices, and the Doha process between Kinshasa and the M23 movement.
President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC, stressing Cairo’s commitment to backing every initiative that promotes peace and stability in Central Africa. He reiterated Egypt’s readiness to engage in “any constructive mediation or good offices” to help bridge differences and consolidate peace within the DRC.
The two leaders also reviewed developments in Nile Basin cooperation, underlining their shared vision of promoting coordination among riparian states. They emphasized that cross-border rivers must be managed through consensus and mutual benefit, ensuring that water development serves all peoples of the region without unilateral measures that could hinder progress.
El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s dedication to the Nile Basin Initiative as a unifying framework capable of safeguarding common interests and fostering inclusive development “away from political posturing or coercive actions.”
Concluding their talks, the two presidents agreed to maintain close coordination on issues of mutual concern, with El-Sisi emphasizing Egypt’s foreign policy principles of non-interference, respect for international law, and the pursuit of peace through dialogue.
“Egypt neither conspires nor threatens to use force to achieve its interests,” El-Sisi said, “but seeks stability and prosperity for its friends and partners, for the benefit of all African peoples.”
Follow the latest news on Google News
