During a joint press conference held on the sidelines of the 2023 United Nations General Assembly, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Prime Minister of Israel made a historic announcement that signifies a significant enhancement in bilateral relations between their respective nations. The announcement revealed Israel’s plans to open an embassy in Kinshasa, while the DRC expressed its commitment to relocating its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
The decision to establish an Israeli embassy in Kinshasa was unveiled by Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel. In response, President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC pledged to move the Congolese embassy to Jerusalem once Israel’s decision is put into action. This reciprocal gesture demonstrates a clear commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations, marking a significant milestone in their diplomatic history.
This burgeoning alliance also encompasses investments across a spectrum of sectors, further solidifying the partnership. Prime Minister Netanyahu characterized his discussions with President Tshisekedi as highly fruitful, while the Congolese leader described them as profoundly positive.
The negotiations that have led to this momentous agreement have been underway for several months, resulting in a mutually beneficial accord. This collaboration will extend to diverse domains, with a particular focus on security, emphasizing cybersecurity, as well as investments in agriculture and infrastructure.
Until now, Israel’s diplomatic representative responsible for relations with the DRC has been based in Luanda, Angola. This move reflects a deepening of diplomatic ties and underscores the shared commitment to fostering cooperation between Israel and the DRC.
It is worth noting that the foundation for this diplomatic progression was laid in November of the previous year when Shimon Solomon, a former member of the Israeli parliament, presented his credentials to President Félix Tshisekedi, marking the beginning of a promising chapter in their bilateral relations.