Tokayev: relations between Astana and Kinshasa reach new level
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called Felix Tshisekedi’s first state visit to Kazakhstan a historic event, stressing that his arrival with a large delegation reflects special respect for the Kazakh people.
“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, only a short time has passed, but our cooperation, based on trust and friendship, has been steadily developing. Today’s talks will take relations between Astana and Kinshasa to a new level and lay a solid foundation for effective partnership. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is an important partner of Kazakhstan in Africa. I am confident that our bilateral ties have a great future,” Tokayev said.
He highlighted the potential for closer cooperation in trade, the mining sector, logistics, agriculture, IT and digitalization.
Tokayev also noted the DR Congo’s critical role in the global supply chain of strategic raw materials, including cobalt, copper, tantalum and coltan. He underlined that Kazakh company ERG is successfully operating in the country with the support of the Congolese leadership.
President Tshisekedi thanked Tokayev for the warm reception, emphasizing shared values between the two nations despite geographical distance: respect for sovereignty, commitment to peace, and dialogue. He praised Kazakhstan’s nuclear disarmament and peace efforts as a source of inspiration.
Following the talks, Tokayev and Tshisekedi signed a Joint Declaration, along with interagency agreements on diplomatic consultations and cooperation in mining and geology.
Felix Tshisekedi arrived in Kazakhstan on September 9 for a state visit at Tokayev’s invitation. Ahead of his arrival, the streets of Astana were decorated with the flags of both nations.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa’s second-largest country, is rich in natural resources such as cobalt, copper, diamonds and gold. It gained independence from Belgium in 1960 and is now a presidential republic.