On 25 September 2024, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, met his Serbian counterpart, Aleksandar Vučić. The meeting, which lasted over an hour, was part of the bilateral relations already established between the two countries and was aimed at deepening their cooperation in various strategic sectors.
An open and friendly dialogue
The meeting between the two heads of state was described as ‘frank and friendly’ by both parties. President Vučić expressed his unwavering support for the Congolese people in the face of the continuing security crisis in the east of the DRC, where armed groups are destabilising the region. Vučić reiterated the importance of respecting the territorial integrity of the DRC and expressed his solidarity with the country in its struggle for peace and security. This strong support from Serbia reinforces the historic ties between Belgrade and Kinshasa, which date back several decades.
Strengthened cooperation in key sectors
During the meeting, the two leaders expressed their desire to strengthen cooperation in sectors that are essential for the development of their respective countries, notably agriculture, infrastructure and education. Serbia and the DRC see these areas as strategic levers for economic growth and the well-being of their populations. President Tshisekedi praised Serbia’s experience in these sectors and expressed his desire to see increased exchanges between the two countries, particularly through technical partnerships and targeted investments.
Cooperation in education was also a key issue, with both sides keen to encourage university exchange programmes and vocational training. The DRC could benefit from Serbian expertise in improving its education system, while Serbia sees the DRC as a potential partner for educational projects in Africa.
A solid partnership between Kinshasa and Belgrade
Conclusion
The two leaders stressed the importance of consolidating the good relations that already exist between their countries. In 2019, Félix Tshisekedi made an official visit to Belgrade, strengthening diplomatic ties. Since then, the two countries have continued to collaborate on a number of fronts. Aleksandar Vučić used this new meeting to reaffirm Serbia’s commitment to supporting the DRC in its efforts to preserve regional stability and foster economic development.
Sources:
- https://www.tanjug.rs/english/politics/112174/vucic-meets-with-president-of-dr-congo/vest
- https://www.b92.net/english/politics/61652/vucic-with-the-president-of-the-democratic-republic-of-congo-friendly-and-open-conversation/vest
- https://www.predsednik.rs/en/press-center/press-releases/meeting-with-the-president-of-the-democratic-republic-of-congo
- https://www.b92.net/ostavi-komentar/61652
- https://presidence.cd/actualite-detail/actualite/le_president_felix_tshisekedi_a_recu_son_homologue_aleksandar_vucic
