President Sisi receives his Congolese counterpart: Bilateral agreement to support Nile Basin countries

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received today President Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The official spokesman for the Presidency of the Republic stated that the reception ceremony included the honor guard saluting the visiting president, the playing of the national anthems of the two countries, and the taking of a commemorative photo, followed by a bilateral meeting between the President and the Congolese President, then an expanded session of talks in the presence of the delegations of the two countries, followed by a luncheon hosted by the President in honor of President Tshisekedi and the accompanying delegation.

Ambassador Mohamed El Shenawy, the official spokesperson, noted that the President welcomed President Tshisekedi on his fourth visit to Egypt in the past few years, reflecting the depth and distinction of Egyptian-Congolese relations, and appreciating the momentum of bilateral cooperation between the two brotherly countries.

The President also congratulated President Tshisekedi on the 66th anniversary of Congo's independence, which falls at the end of June. For his part, the Congolese President expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome he always receives during his visits to Egypt, affirming his country's gratitude for Egypt's support in various fields. He also commended the President's commitment to developing relations with the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as Egypt's efforts to promote peace in Africa in general, and in the Democratic Republic of Congo in particular.

The official spokesperson explained that the two presidents discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Egypt and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the president stressing the need to continue working to enhance trade and investments between the two countries.

He also emphasized the importance of convening the joint committee and developing executive programs and mechanisms to monitor progress in bilateral cooperation across various areas of mutual interest. The President further noted the extensive experience of Egyptian companies, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors, and expressed Egypt's readiness to support the Democratic Republic of Congo in all areas.

The official spokesperson stated that the President reaffirmed Egypt’s full support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo, noting Egypt’s positive engagement in supporting international and regional efforts aimed at establishing peace and stability in eastern Congo, including through the full implementation of the Washington and Doha agreements.

In this context, the Congolese President expressed his appreciation for the constructive Egyptian role, while the President affirmed Egypt’s constant readiness to exert all necessary efforts to bring the positions closer and end the ongoing conflict and its humanitarian repercussions.

The official spokesperson added that the two presidents discussed developments in cooperation among the Nile Basin countries, emphasizing the need to respect international law governing transboundary rivers. In this context, President Tshisekedi commended Egypt's commitment to consensus and its support for the development aspirations of the Nile Basin countries, stressing his country's keenness to continue and strengthen coordination with Egypt in this regard.

The official spokesperson noted that following the talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding, and then held a joint press conference, during which the President delivered an official speech.