Doha, November 21 (QNA) - In the context of strengthening the growing relations between the State of Qatar and the Democratic Republic of Congo and enhancing them to broader horizons, HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will mark his first visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

His Highness is scheduled to hold talks with HE President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Felix Tshisekedi concerning bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them in various fields, in addition to reviewing several regional and international issues of common interest.

The visit of HH the Amir to the Democratic Republic of Congo is expected to contribute to strengthening joint cooperation in multiple fields, discovering more trade and investment opportunities between the two countries, supporting bilateral relations and pushing them to broader horizons and opening new areas for them in a way that serves the common interests and aspirations of the two countries and their friendly peoples.

Relations between the State of Qatar and the Democratic Republic of Congo constitute one of the growing Arab-African interaction paths during the past period, as Doha works to strengthen its diplomatic and economic presence in sub-Saharan Africa, while Kinshasa views Qatari partnerships as a window to promote development, infrastructure and investment in its enormous natural resources.

Relations between the two countries have witnessed remarkable development in recent years, embodied in the launch of several joint investment projects, the exchange of high-level visits, and the conclusion of agreements to enhance cooperation in the fields of energy, health, mining and other sectors.

The two countries consistently emphasize the importance of establishing bilateral relations in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter to develop bilateral cooperation and consolidate world peace.

Recent years have witnessed high-level visits exchanged between the two countries, in addition to increasing cooperation in international forums, especially in supporting stability in the Great Lakes region, joint coordination in the UN and the African Union, and the exchange of experiences in the fields of diplomatic mediation, especially since the State of Qatar enjoys a distinguished position in the Democratic Republic of Congo for its role in supporting development and its adoption of a diplomacy based on dialogue and economic partnership.

The level of partnership between the State of Qatar and the Democratic Republic of Congo has risen remarkably in recent years, especially in light of the two countries' keenness to diversify non-traditional economic partnerships, in addition to increasing cooperation in international forums, particularly with regard to supporting stability in the Great Lakes region, joint coordination in the UN and the African Union, and the exchange of experiences in the fields of diplomatic mediation.

In a significant success for the mediation approach that characterizes the State of Qatar and within the framework of its foreign policy aimed at promoting global security and peace, the State of Qatar announced on Nov. 15 the signing of the Doha Framework Agreement for Peace between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Congo River Alliance (March 23 Movement), an agreement that represents a new important achievement within the peace process facilitated by the State of Qatar, based on the momentum of the Doha Declaration of Principles signed on Jul. 19.

The Doha Framework Agreement for Peace affirms the commitment of both parties to address the root causes of the conflict through structured dialogue, confidence-building measures, and a gradual approach to de-escalation and stability enhancement.

It also emphasizes the importance of protecting civilians, respecting human rights, ensuring the safe and dignified return of displaced persons, and supporting national reconciliation and unity.

The Doha Framework Agreement for Peace is the basic reference document for the broader peace process. 

The path for relations between the State of Qatar and the Democratic Republic of Congo seems to be headed towards stronger future ties, based on a mutual desire to explore more trade and investment opportunities between the two countries, and to move towards broader horizons of cooperation in a way that serves common interests and aspirations.

With continued political dialogue and economic cooperation, these relations can evolve into an Arab-African strategic partnership model that contributes to supporting stability, sustainable development, and common interests.

Agricultural cooperation represents an opportunity to ensure sustainable food security by promoting investments in joint agricultural projects, enhancing local production capacities in Congo, and boosting exports to regional and international markets. Cooperation and investment in the rare metals sector, such as cobalt and other metals that are in increasing global demand, is one of the most important investment opportunities to strengthen relations between the two countries.

Cooperation in the areas of investment and development is one of the most important aspects of the relations between the State of Qatar and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as there are many areas of economic and trade cooperation between the two. The State of Qatar has the ability to provide quality development and investment support, while Congo offers enormous natural resources and a promising emerging market.

As part of its efforts to strengthen the bilateral partnership, the State of Qatar has contributed to a number of projects to develop electricity networks, roads, small and medium-sized power generation stations, and many development projects in Kinshasa and a number of other regions in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Qatar, through its humanitarian institutions such as the Red Crescent Society and Qatar Charity, also participated in supporting the health sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo by building health centers, supporting efforts to combat epidemics and strengthening maternal and child health programs, as well as assisting refugees and internally displaced persons as a result of conflicts in the east of the country, which has contributed to enhancing Qatar's image as a reliable development partner for the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In a move to enhance travel options and enable travelers from the African continent to continue their journeys via Hamad International Airport to various destinations in Asia, Europe and other countries around the world, Qatar Airways launched its flights to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo last year.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the second largest African country by area, with an area of ​​2,345,410 square km, of which 37 km are on the Atlantic coast. It is located in the heart of Africa on the equator, with a shared border of 9,165 square km, and is surrounded by 9 neighboring African countries. It is also one of the richest African countries in minerals and natural resources, especially copper, cobalt, zinc, diamonds, nickel, chromium, bauxite, phosphates, iron, manganese and gold, with current mineral resources of the yellow metal estimated at about 750 tons of gold.

The Democratic Republic of Congo also possesses 70% of the world's cobalt reserves used in the manufacture of batteries and electric vehicles, making it a strategic destination for Qatari investors. Several discussions have taken place between Qatari companies and Congolese mining companies with the aim of developing new mines, improving transport and supply routes, and supporting sustainable mining technologies.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has 80 million hectares of arable land and 4 million hectares of irrigated land, of which only 10% is currently being utilized, in addition to vast areas of pasture that can raise more than 40 million head of cattle, as well as huge fishing potential of 700,000 tons per year. The Democratic Republic of Congo's reserves are estimated at 6% of the African continent's oil reserves. (QNA)