Title: The President of Burundi on an official visit to Kinshasa to strengthen bilateral ties
Introduction :
The President of the Republic of Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye, paid an official visit to Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. Welcomed by the Congolese Prime Minister, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, President Ndayishimiye is expected at the Palais de la Nation for a one-on-one with his Congolese counterpart. This visit is marked by the signing of a military agreement between the two countries, as well as by other cooperation projects, such as the construction of a railway line linking Bujumbura to Kindu.
Development :
Since his inauguration in 2021, President Ndayishimiye has made Kinshasa his first foreign destination, thus testifying to the importance he attaches to relations between Burundi and the DRC. This visit marks an important step in strengthening political, economic and security ties between the two countries.
The military agreement signed between the DRC and Burundi aims to strengthen cooperation in security and defence. It will enable the establishment of a collaborative framework for the exchange of information, the coordination of military actions and the training of the armed forces of the two countries. This initiative aims to ensure stability and security in the Great Lakes region, which has long faced security challenges.
Alongside this agreement, Presidents Ndayishimiye and Sama Lukonde also discussed the implementation of economic cooperation projects. The construction of a railway line linking Bujumbura, capital of Burundi, to Kindu, a city located in the east of the DRC, was mentioned. This project aims to facilitate trade and strengthen economic ties between the two countries. In addition, it could contribute to the economic development of the region by promoting access to natural resources.
Conclusion :
President Ndayishimiye’s visit to Kinshasa marks an important step in relations between Burundi and the DRC. The signing of the military agreement and the discussions around economic cooperation projects testify to the will of the two countries to strengthen their collaboration in various fields. This visit lays the foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation and opens up new prospects for development and stability in the Great Lakes region