Why did President Sisi praise the battle to liberate Congo?

Written by: Ayman Ragab

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who is currently visiting Egypt.

President Sisi said during a press conference: “At the beginning of my speech, I welcome my brother, His Excellency President Tshisekedi, as a dear guest in his second home, Egypt, wishing him a pleasant stay and a successful and fruitful visit. I also extend my congratulations to His Excellency and to the brotherly Congolese people on the occasion of Africa Day 2026, which holds a special place in all our hearts, as well as on the occasion of the approaching sixty-sixth anniversary of the independence of the Democratic Republic of Congo on June 30, as well as the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries.”.

historical relations

He added: “I take this opportunity, my brother, Your Excellency the President, to express our deep appreciation for the deep-rooted historical relations that bind Egypt and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which are based on close ties dating back to the 1960s, specifically since the battle for independence of your brotherly country in 1960, that immortal historical event that represents a bright page in the history of the African continent and holds a special place in the conscience of the Egyptian people.”.

President Sisi noted that he held fruitful and constructive bilateral talks with the President of Congo, reflecting a shared political will to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries in various fields, thus enabling optimal utilization of available resources to serve the interests of both peoples.

He continued: “During the talks, I reiterated to my brother, His Excellency the President, our great appreciation for the positive results and political importance of the high-level reciprocal visits between the two countries, and the continued coordination and consultation between Cairo and Kinshasa, including the intensive reciprocal ministerial visits during the recent period, in addition to the important bilateral agreements that we witnessed being signed today, which represent a new and distinguished addition to the growing and rich record of cooperation between our two countries.”.