‘It is a great friendship. We are strengthening it, and this visit will only help strengthen it even further,’ Netanyahu told Tshisekedi.
By United with Israel Staff
Israel and the Democratic Republic of the Congo announced Thursday that they intend to advance plans for the African nation to relocate its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, while Israel moves toward opening a resident embassy in the Congolese capital of Kinshasa.
In a joint declaration, the countries said they would continue consultations on both moves and work through diplomatic channels to determine how they will be implemented.
The announcement follows Democratic Republic of the Congo President Félix Tshisekedi’s visit to Jerusalem earlier this week, where he met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.
During Tuesday’s meeting with Netanyahu, the two leaders agreed to strengthen economic and security ties between their countries. Discussions also covered defense, agriculture, infrastructure, energy and high technology.
“It is a great friendship. We are strengthening it, and this visit will only help strengthen it even further,” Netanyahu told Tshisekedi.
Tshisekedi also met Herzog, who emphasized Israel’s efforts to deepen its relationships across Africa. The Congolese president said his country sought a modern and mutually beneficial partnership with Israel, with cooperation extending to agriculture, water, health, technology, security, training and investment.
Ahead of the meetings, Tshisekedi visited Jerusalem’s Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, where he laid a wreath and rekindled the memorial flame.
The embassy moves have been under discussion for several years. Tshisekedi first announced in 2023 that his country would move its embassy to Jerusalem, with Israel announcing in return that it would open an embassy in Kinshasa. Thursday’s declaration signals that both governments are now seeking to advance those plans.
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