At the invitation of President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), President Cyril Ramaphosa will today kick off a working visit to Kinshasa.
The President, who flew to Kinshasa on Wednesday, will co-chair the Heads of State and Government segment of the 12th Session of DRC–South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC).
The Presidential segment of the BNC, according to a statement by the Presidency, was preceded by a senior official meeting on 1 to 3 July 2023 and a ministerial sectoral meeting on 4 to 5 July 2023.
The BNC will be conducted by the agreed structure between the two countries, which provides for the establishment of four sectoral committees.
These include the Political and Governance; Defence and Security; Economy, Finance and Infrastructure; and the Social and Humanitarian sectoral commissions.
The sectoral commissions will be co-chaired by the Ministers who are responsible for the relevant ministries.
“The working visit provides an opportunity for the two Presidents to discuss political and economic bilateral issues, as well as regional, continental, and international matters of mutual concern.”
The leaders will also participate in a Business Forum, which will be held on the margins of the BNC on Thursday.
The Business Forum, according to the President’s Office, offers the private sector opportunities for both countries to explore possible trade and investment contracts in South Africa and DRC.
The seminar will primarily focus on four key sectors of agriculture and agro-processing, energy and infrastructure, health and pharmaceuticals, and mining.
The President will be supported by Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation; State Security; Defence and Military Veterans; Trade, Industry and Competition; Police; Mineral Resources and Energy; Transport; Home Affairs and Social Development. – SAnews.gov.za
