Sheikh Shakhboot Meets DRC President to Boost UAE Relations

Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), received Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, during an official visit to Kinshasa. The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and discuss regional humanitarian challenges.

Sheikh Shakhboot conveyed the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He extended their best wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the government and people of the DRC.

President Tshisekedi reciprocated the greetings to the UAE leadership, wishing further development and growth for the UAE government and people. He welcomed the visit as an opportunity to reinforce relations and explore ways to expand cooperation between the two countries in economic, social, and humanitarian fields.

The two sides discussed a broad range of topics, including enhancing bilateral partnerships and joint efforts to achieve sustainable development goals that benefit both nations. Discussions emphasized strengthening trade, investment, and technical cooperation, while identifying new opportunities for collaboration in key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and health.

Regional developments were also a major point of discussion. Both leaders expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Sudan and affirmed the importance of regional cooperation through the Quad initiative, comprising the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. They highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to achieve a humanitarian truce, ensure the protection of civilians, and facilitate the delivery of aid to affected populations.

The leaders condemned all violations against civilians and humanitarian personnel and stressed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire. They called for the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance, the protection of innocent lives, and accountability for crimes committed against civilians during conflicts in the region.

Sheikh Shakhboot’s visit also focused on exploring practical measures to strengthen institutional collaboration and enhance the effectiveness of joint initiatives. Both sides agreed on the importance of supporting development projects that contribute to social stability and economic growth in the DRC.

The visit underscored the UAE’s commitment to deepening diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian ties with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It reflected the UAE’s broader vision of promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development across Africa, while reinforcing its role as a responsible partner in addressing regional crises.

President Tshisekedi thanked Sheikh Shakhboot for the visit and highlighted the UAE’s role in supporting development and humanitarian efforts in the DRC and the wider region. Both leaders affirmed the need to continue working closely to strengthen cooperation frameworks and deliver tangible benefits for their citizens.

The discussions concluded with mutual commitment to intensify collaboration and maintain open channels for dialogue, ensuring that both countries continue to advance their shared priorities and address global challenges in a coordinated manner.