“Two worlds apart”: DR Congo president on visit to Kazakhstan
Tokayev thanked Tshisekedi for accepting his invitation to visit Astana, calling the first state visit of the Congolese leader a significant milestone. He emphasized that Kazakhstan regards DR Congo as an important partner in Africa and is interested in expanding cooperation across various fields.
“With a population of more than 110 million, your country is rich in human and natural resources. Its role and authority are also growing at regional and international levels. Today’s talks will help strengthen ties between Central Asia and Africa, which is one of Kazakhstan’s key foreign policy priorities,” Tokayev said.
Tshisekedi expressed confidence that the talks would deepen bilateral ties.
“Allow me to thank you and, through you, the entire people of Kazakhstan for the very warm welcome extended to me and my delegation. I am here to strengthen relations and cooperation not only between our countries but also between Africa and Central Asia. These are two worlds apart, but visits like this allow us to come closer and better understand one another. We have worked with your country through ERG in the mining industry, but we believe there are many other areas where we can share experience and enhance cooperation,” he noted.
The two presidents also exchanged views on current international and regional issues.
Felix Tshisekedi arrived in Kazakhstan on a state visit at Tokayev’s invitation. DR Congo is Africa’s second-largest country, known for its vast reserves of cobalt, copper, diamonds and gold. It gained independence from Belgium in 1960 and is today a presidential republic.