DRC: Kinshasa and Brussels want to return to the path of cooperation

In the DRC, Sophie Wilmès (our photo) is at the head of a large delegation. DIRK WAEM / BELGA / AFP

Text by: RFI Follow

The acting Belgian Prime Minister has been in Kinshasa since Wednesday, February 5, early in the evening. Sophie Wilmès begins a three-day official visit which will take her to Lubumbashi. A political and diplomatic mission, specify sources close to the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in the Congolese capital.

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With our correspondent in Kinshasa, Kamanda wa Kamanda-Muzembe

After the scramble of the pre-electoral period, Kinshasa and Brussels are reunited . According to Belgian circles in the Congolese capital, this visit of Sophie Wilmès is, obviously, a response of the Belgian authorities to the request of the new power of the DRC. The Prime Minister heads a strong delegation which includes, in particular, the Ministers of Finance and Development Cooperation, as well as those of the Interior, Security and Foreign Trade. This Thursday morning, the head of the Belgian government is received at the Palais de la Nation by the President of the Republic, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo.

Standardized relationships

Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, who came to power a year ago, reached out to Belgium asking him to support his country in the recovery efforts. Diplomatic relations have been normalized, notes an African diplomat. After the appointment of an ambassador to Kinshasa following the recall of its predecessor, Brussels obtained the reopening of its consulate in Lubumbashi and Kinshasa its consulate in Antwerp. An official ceremony is planned for this purpose during the Belgian Prime Minister's visit to the copper capital.

Two tons of humanitarian material

Development cooperation between Belgium and its former colony is about to resume. Two tonnes of humanitarian material accompany the head of the Belgian government. Particular emphasis will also be placed on the resumption of trade between Belgium and the DRC, says an official of the Federation of Congo Enterprises (FEC).

► Reopening of the Belgian consulate: a relief for many Lushois

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  • DRC
  • Belgium
  • Félix Tshisekedi

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