Joint Statement on the visit of H.E. Mr. Alexis Thambwe Mwamba, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Democratic Republic of the Congo
29/10/2009
H.E. Mr. Alexis Thambwe Mwamba, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Democratic Republic of the Congo paid an official visit to India from 27 to 30 October, 2009. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising of H.E. Mr. Oliver Kamitatu Etsu, Minister of Planning and H.E. Ms. Louise Munga Mesozi, Minister of Posts, Telephones and Telecommunications, besides senior advisors from key ministries.
The visiting Congolese Foreign Minister held extensive discussions with External Affairs Minister Shri S.M. Krishna, during which both the leaders reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations between the two countries, besides exchanging views on important international and regional issues of common interest such as expansion of UN Security Council, combating international terrorism, climate change, energy security and the Doha Development Round of the World Trade Organisation.
The visiting Foreign Minister conveyed the complete solidarity of the government and people of Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with India and its people in their resolve to combat the scourge of terrorism. Democratic Republic of the Congo has pledged to work with India at the international, regional and bilateral levels to tackle the growing menace of terrorism. The two sides also agreed to collaborate within the framework of the United Nations for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
While appreciating the leadership role played by India in promoting peace at regional and international levels, the DRC Foreign Minister reiterated the support of his government for India's bid for a Permanent Seat in the expanded UNSC as well as India’s candidature for the Non-Permanent Seat for the term 2011-12 from the Asian Group, for which elections would be held in October 2010.
The DRC side recognised the pioneering and consistent support and cooperation extended by India to the African countries within the framework of South-South Cooperation, which has been enhanced significantly after the India-Africa Forum Summit held in April 2008.
Recalling India’s significant contribution to international peace-keeping efforts in general and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in particular since the early sixties, the DRC Foreign Minister lauded the services of the 5000-strong Indian contingent in MONUC, which has not only engaged in peace-keeping but also carried out significant humanitarian work for the Congolese people.
The two leaders noted with satisfaction that the bilateral relations between the two countries gained a new momentum and direction following the visit of President Joseph Kabila in April 2008. The two sides recognised the great potential for further expansion and strengthening of bilateral economic relations, particularly in the fields of agriculture, mining, energy, infrastructure, railways, ICT, food processing, health, education and SMEs. The Indian side proposed that technical delegations would visit DR Congo to identify specific areas of cooperation in the mining sector. Both the sides pledged to find ways and means of enhancing bilateral trade and promoting mutually beneficial joint ventures.
The Indian side gave an assurance of its continued support and cooperation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in its quest for rapid economic development through technical cooperation and financial & material aid. EAM announced approval of fresh Lines of Credit to the tune of US$263 million for three projects, viz:
(i) US$45 million Kakobola Hydro-electric power project;
(ii) US$168 million Katende Hydro-electric power (60MW) project; &
(iii) US$50 million Kinshasa City Urban Railway System Rehabilitation project.
EAM also announced further assistance in the form of grants in the following fields:-
1. Setting up an IT Centre of Excellence in Kinshasa
2. Setting up three learning stations under the Hole-in-the-Wall computer education project
3. Offer special slots to DR Congolese women for training in solar electrification and water harvesting courses in the Barefoot College, Rajasthan.
The two Foreign Ministers inked a Cultural Cooperation Agreement at the end of their official talks.
New Delhi
October 29, 2009