DRC: between Brussels and Kinshasa, "promising" relations

Sophie Wilmès (illustration image): "This is only the first step in something to build, to rebuild" with the DRC. DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP

Text by: RFI Follow

Sophie Wilmès and a Belgian government delegation went to Lubumbashi. Officially, the Belgian Prime Minister formalized the reopening of the consulate of the kingdom of Belgium in the copper capital. This Thursday, she also went to Kinshasa to meet President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi and Prime Minister Sylvestre Ilunga. But it is from Lubumbashi that she will return to Belgium. For Sophie Wilmès, relations between Brussels and Kinshasa are promising.

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With our correspondent in Kinshasa, Kamanda wa Kamanda-Muzembe

Sophie Wilmès' visit to Kinshasa is a response to President Félix Tshisekedi's trip to Brussels . The Congolese and Belgian delegations discussed at length before leaving President Félix Tshisekedi with the Belgian Prime Minister alone: ​​" This is only the first step in something to build, to rebuild. And we need to see together how we can materialize our common will to work together, ”said Ms. Wilmès.

The challenge of training

Cooperation can develop at several levels and discussions are expected for the Belgian Prime Minister: “ The Belgian-Congolese partnership can develop in several sectors, and mainly in terms of training. We have expertise in Belgium that if the Congo asks us, we will be happy to share. "

Other visits are planned to consolidate these relationships with a precise calendar: “ There will be an important economic mission afterwards. There will also be the 60th anniversary of independence in June. These are all events that will continue to mark in fact the will of our two countries, to affirm and deepen our relations, ”explained Sophie Wilmès again.

Successful interviews

According to our sources, the talks between the Belgian delegation and the Congolese officials were very frank and fruitful.

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

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