Meeting between Judith Suminwa and Jutta Urpilainen in Brussels 2024
The recent face-to-face meeting between Judith Suminwa Tuluka, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, at the DRC Embassy in Brussels, marked a crucial step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two entities. This meeting is of capital importance both politically and economically, highlighting the essential issues that cross the DRC and the European Union.
At the heart of the discussions, cooperation between the DRC and the European Union was at the center of the debates. Judith Suminwa highlighted structuring projects, particularly in the areas of electricity and infrastructure, highlighting the growth potential that the Lobito corridor represents for the Congolese economy. The need to diversify the country’s economy to create employment opportunities for young people was discussed, highlighting the importance of supporting alternative sectors to reduce the country’s dependence on natural resources.
Furthermore, security in the East of the DRC was a crucial point in the discussions. The Prime Minister called for special attention from the European Union to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in this region, making stability a major issue for the country’s sustainable development. The security challenges linked to the plundering of natural resources by armed groups, particularly the M23 movement, were at the heart of the discussions, highlighting the urgency of setting up a mineral certification system to combat illegal exploitation.
In conclusion, the meeting between Judith Suminwa and Jutta Urpilainen highlighted the challenges and opportunities that await the DRC in its quest for development and stability. The importance of international cooperation, particularly with the European Union, to support the Congolese government’s efforts to build a better future for all was highlighted. This meeting demonstrates the shared desire to work together to address common challenges and build strong and lasting partnerships for progress and peace.