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Republic of Congo, DR Congo gov'ts to strengthen diplomatic ties

Xinhua, January 22, 2016 Adjust font size:

Republic of Congo's Foreign Minister Jean Claude Gakosso made a three day working visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) between Jan. 18 to 20 to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, an official source said Thursday.

While in Kinshasa, Gakosso held talks with DR Congo President Joseph Kabila, before taking part in a joint session of delegations from both countries alongside his counterpart Raymond Tshibanda.

"Our people who have always lived in harmony and brotherhood, should continue enjoying the good friendship because in reality, like everyone knows, we are one and the same people," said Gakosso, expressing hope that "the two Central African countries that are separated by River Congo whose name they share, will continue enjoying the best possible relations."

"The Republic of Congo and DR Congo are the heart of Africa. If between us, there are problems, the entire African continent suffers. We should work together for the good of our states and our people," said Tshibanda, DR Congo's Foreign Minister.

Relations between Kinshasa and Brazzaville were damaged since April 4, 2014, following the latter's decision to launch an operation against illegal immigrants who had become a source of insecurity on its territory. The operation led to the expulsion of over 300,000 DR Congo nationals.

Authorities in both countries have been making efforts to restore relations between their people.

"In a family, there are good times, periods of misunderstanding and sadness. The most important thing is that we remain united and focus on what is important," Tshibanda affirmed.

To normalize relations between the two states, a meeting to discuss movement of people and goods between the two countries was held in June 2014.

In September of the same year, their two respective presidents, Denis Sassou N'Guesso and Joseph Kabila issued a joint statement in Kinshasa promising to restore normalcy.

Since then, experts from both countries have been working on modalities to implement the agreements signed between the meeting of their leaders. Enditem