CAIRO, April 19 (MENA) - President Abdel Fattah El Sisi condoled with the Congolese president and people over the boat disaster that left several people dead and injured when it capsized on Tuesday after catching fire on the Congo River in the country’s north-west.

During a phone call with Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshiseked, president Sisi extended condolences over the tragic boat accident, according to Presidential Spokesman Mohamed el Shennawy.

The call emphasized the strength of the historical relations between Egypt and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as keenness of both sides to maintain these ties through furthering cooperation, particularly in the economic and development fields, the spokesman said.

He added that the call addressed regional developments and ways to enhance cooperation between the Nile Basin countries in order to achieve their shared interests.

Meanwhile, president Sisi and his Congolese counterpart underscored the necessity of adhering to consensus among the basin countries, which contributes to strengthening cooperation frameworks and achieving joint development, the spokesman said.

During the call, the two leaders exchanged views on the situation in eastern DR Congo, with president Sisi asserting Egypt's commitment to supporting all regional and international initiatives aimed at reaching a political settlement to the crisis and restoring stability to the region, the spokesman added. (MENA)

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