DR Congo-UAE strengthen ties with planned free trade agreement and infrastructure investments
KINSHASA – President Félix Tshisekedi met with Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), at the African Union City last Sunday, marking a significant step in deepening bilateral relations. The high-level discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in strategic sectors, including mining, financial intelligence, and counter-terrorism financing.
The talks yielded substantial commitments, with several key agreements finalized. A major outcome was the intention to conclude a free trade agreement by the end of the year; a move set to significantly boost commercial ties, which have already grown by 27% between 2023 and 2025.
The establishment of a UAE-DRC Forum was also proposed to showcase Congolese investment projects and attract new financing.
The meeting also covered large-scale infrastructure projects, including plans for dry ports and roads linking the DRC to Angola and Zambia.
Furthermore, Abu Dhabi Ports Group is set to invest in the ports of Matadi and Boma, enhancing regional connectivity and trade development.
Finally, the delegations emphasized cooperation in diplomatic training, particularly between the Congolese Diplomatic Academy and the UAE’s Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy.
This partnership, focused on expertise exchange, underscores the active diplomacy of President Tshisekedi to diversify and energize the DRC’s foreign relations.
Gilbert FOTSO
