Kenya, DRC forge new path in diplomatic relations

DRC President, Felix Tshisekedi (right) with Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi. [OPCS]

Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, has concluded a significant official visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), serving as a Special Envoy of President William Ruto.

The visit followed a meeting between Kenya’s top officials and their DRC counterparts, during which Mudavadi delivered a special message from President Ruto to DRC’s President, Felix Tshisekedi.

The delegation included Transport Principal Secretary, Mohamed Daghar, and Kenya Airways CEO, Allan Kilavuka.

In a series of discussions, Mudavadi and DRC’s Deputy Prime Minister, Christophe Lutundula Apala Pen’Apala, established three pivotal agreements to bolster cooperation.

The agreements include resuming full operations by Kenya Airways in the DRC and enhancing connectivity and trade between Nairobi and Kinshasa.

At the same time, the recalled DRC ambassador will promptly resume duties in Nairobi as the new Kenyan ambassador to the DRC will also commence work immediately.

Technical teams from both nations have been tasked with initiating discussions to prepare for the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) meeting.

Mudavadi also met with Kenyan organisations operating in the DRC, including Equity Bank BCDC and the KCB-owned TMB bank.

“The successful visit underscores the commitment of the two countries to deepen their diplomatic relations, fostering mutually beneficial collaboration across various sectors. This marks a promising future of shared prosperity and development,” said Mudavadi in a statement signed by the Director of Press Service, Salim Swaleh.