From 29 September to 1 October 2024, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi, made a State visit to Hungary, an event that marked a turning point in relations between Kinshasa and Budapest. For three days, the Congolese head of state met Hungarian political leaders, signed strategic agreements and exchanged views with the Congolese diaspora in Hungary.
Day 1: Welcome and Dinner with Prime Minister Orbán
On his arrival in Budapest on Sunday 29 September, President Tshisekedi was received by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. A private dinner followed, during which the two leaders discussed bilateral priorities and the global challenges facing their countries. This first meeting strengthened the personal and institutional ties between the two nations, paving the way for official discussions the following day. (Radio Okapi)(Présidence de la RDC).
Day 2: High-Level Talks and Strategic Agreements
On Monday 30 September, the visit intensified with official talks at the Sandor Presidential Palace with President Tàmas Sulyok, followed by a more formal meeting with Viktor Orbán at the Carmelite Monastery. Discussions covered a number of strategic areas, culminating in the signing of cooperation agreements in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure and energy. The DRC hopes to attract more Hungarian investment to support its economic development, in particular by drawing on Hungarian expertise in innovation and new technologies(Enquete.cd)(Opinion Info).
Day 3: Technologies and meeting the Diaspora
On the final day of his visit, Félix Tshisekedi visited several factories and companies specialising in new technologies. This immersion enabled the Head of State to explore opportunities for collaboration in innovative sectors that could play a key role in the economic transformation of the DRC.
Alongside his official programme, President Tshisekedi also met with the Congolese community living in Hungary. This meeting with the diaspora provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing Congolese living abroad, while reaffirming their role in the country’s development. The President encouraged members of the diaspora to remain connected to the DRC and to contribute actively to its economic and social development(Présidence de la RDC).
Félix Tshisekedi’s visit to Hungary not only strengthened diplomatic relations between the two countries, but also paved the way for promising economic partnerships that will benefit both nations. In addition, the DRC’s ambassador to Serbia, Hungary’s neighbour, Joseph Kalala, discreetly travelled to attend the event, illustrating the importance that the DRC attaches to its diplomatic representation in the region.
