After nine months of waiting, the new ambassador of the European Union (EU) to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Berlanga Martinez Nicolás, finally presented the figurative copies of his credentials. The protocol ceremony took place this Tuesday, January 2 in the presence of Christophe Lutundula Apala, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the DRC.
Figured copies of letters of credence are official documents that formalize the appointment of an ambassador and establish his legitimacy within the framework of bilateral diplomatic relations.
Berlanga Martinez Nicolás was appointed by Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on April 20, 2023. He succeeds Jean-Marc Châtaigner as EU Ambassador to the DRC . Before his appointment, Berlanga Martinez Nicolás held various positions within the EU, including coordinator for maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and migration advisor for Africa. He also served as EU ambassador to Somalia and Togo.
The EU delegation in Kinshasa plays a key role in relations between the EU and the DRC. It represents all EU institutions in the country and ensures political dialogue with the Congolese authorities and civil society. This dialogue is part of the Cotonou Agreement, which aims to promote common values such as respect for human rights, political freedoms, democracy and the rule of law.
The presence of the EU in the DRC also allows coordination, impetus and relay between the headquarters of the European Union and the Congolese authorities. The delegation ensures the monitoring and implementation of EU policies in different areas, thus contributing to the analysis of the national and sub-regional situation from a political, economic and social point of view.
The presentation of the credentials of Berlanga Martinez Nicolás marks an important step in relations between the EU and the DRC. This will strengthen cooperation between the two entities and promote the common values that unite them.