“Zoom Africa News” Exclusive”

DRC Defense Minister Jay Kaboombo Mwadiamvita is visiting Cairo within hours to discuss a number of files of mutual interest and enhance military and defense cooperation between the two countries.

Anticipated visit of the Democratic Republic of Congo's defense minister to Egypt

High-level sources told “Zoom Africa News” that the Minister of Defense is scheduled to hold meetings with senior Egyptian officials during the visit to discuss ways to develop bilateral relations, exchange views on regional and international issues of common concern, and explore prospects for cooperation in military and security fields.

The visit comes within the framework of ongoing consultations between the two sides and the keenness to enhance coordination and cooperation in a way that serves the common interests of the two countries.

Earlier, Ambassador Hicham El Makouad explained in previous statements during an interview with “Zoom Africa News” that the Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the largest African countries by area, characterized by a wide tribal, ethnic, and linguistic diversity, as well as its borders shared with more than 12 countries, which makes managing a number of files, especially security ones, more complex.

He pointed out that eastern Congo continues to face security challenges related to the M23 movement's activities and existing tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, but these developments have not led to a halt in economic or investment activity within the country.

He added that many international companies, including Chinese, American, Canadian, Belgian, and Turkish companies, continue to carry out their work and investments in Congo, including in some areas facing security challenges. He considered that the continuation of these companies represents a clear indicator of promising economic and investment opportunities within the country.

The Egyptian ambassador pointed out that the Chinese experience in Congo represents an important model, as Chinese presence has not receded despite security challenges, but has been remarkably strengthened over the past decades, reflecting confidence in the country's economic potential.

Enhancing Egypt's economic presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a strategic necessity.

Hisham El Mekkawy stressed that strengthening Egypt's economic presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a strategic necessity, not just an investment opportunity, explaining that economic interests are the true guarantor of sustained relations between countries, regardless of changes in governments or political leadership.

The Egyptian Ambassador concluded his remarks by emphasizing that building strong economic partnerships within the Democratic Republic of Congo would enhance Egyptian influence in this important African country and provide bilateral relations with a more solid and sustainable foundation, serving the mutual interests of both countries in the long term.