The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and China have just strengthened their cooperation. The Congolese presidential couple, currently on an official visit to China, had the honor of meeting Peng Liyuan, the Chinese first lady, to discuss improving bilateral cooperation. The two first ladies also exchanged views on non-profit and self-help social programs.
One of these programs concerns the project “For the Health of Orphans in Africa”. The latter aims to provide free medical consultations and provide medical kits for orphaned children in orphanages and other care facilities in Africa. Peng Liyuan plans to initiate the program on Children’s Day which will be launched in China on June 1, 2023.
The Congolese first lady, meanwhile, is Vice-President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OPDAD). This organization aims to promote the well-being of African populations, especially women and children. She therefore expressed her gratitude to the Chinese first lady for the role that China has played in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic in the DRC, as well as for its humanitarian actions in favor of African children.
The meeting also made it possible to address the question of the “Excellentia” program, which grants scholarships to the best finalists in the secondary humanities in the DRC. The Congolese first lady has offered to send “Excellentia” scholars to China to acquire knowledge in specific areas, such as the mining sector.
This official visit to China is part of President Tshisekedi’s desire to strengthen relations with the DRC’s international partners. It also comes at a time when the country is modernizing its legislation on public finances to attract foreign investors and improve their management. The distribution of electoral seats was also adopted, a key step for the organization of transparent and efficient elections.
In a context of humanitarian and security crises in certain provinces of the DRC, the Prime Minister, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, also undertakes to find solutions to remedy them. The Congolese government is therefore continuing its efforts to improve the well-being of the Congolese people and to strengthen the stability and security of the country.
In short, the discussions between the Congolese and Chinese first ladies made it possible to work for the well-being of Africans, in particular children, as well as for cooperation and the development of relations between the DRC and China.