BRUSSELS/CAIRO, May 21 (MENA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty praised on Wednesday relations between Egypt and the Democratic Republic of Congo over the past years.

The top diplomat made the remarks during a meeting with DR Congo's Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner on the sidelines of the AU-EU Ministerial Meeting in Brussels.

Abdelatty expressed Egypt’s hope of enhancing relations with DR Congo in the different domains either through the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development or the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA).

He highlighted plans to establish a specialized Egyptian heart surgery unit at Kinshasa General Hospital, which will be equipped with necessary medical supplies and Egyptian doctors to share expertise and train Congolese medical staff.

The talks also addressed regional developments as Abdelatty welcomed the signing of a declaration of principles between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda in Washington on April 25, reiterating Egypt’s support for all ongoing mediation efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive political settlement and defusing tensions.

He also reiterated Egypt’s readiness to offer any assistance that could help restore trust between the two countries and promote peace and development.

The minister reiterated Egypt’s support of Nile-basin countries, citing the establishment of an Egyptian financing mechanism for infrastructure projects in the southern Nile Basin, with a total allocation of USD 100 million.

He stressed Egypt’s adherence to international law as regards Nile River governance, especially as regards the principles of posing no harm to any country, prior notification, and consensus. (MENA)
S R E/R E E