President Erdogan of Türkiye offers support for resolving the dispute between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasizing African-led solutions for stability in the Great Lakes Region. The leaders discuss deepening cooperation and increasing investments, highlighting Rwanda’s model of political stability and Türkiye’s ongoing diplomatic efforts.
On Thursday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Türkiye’s readiness to support the peaceful resolution of the dispute between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, contingent upon the desire of both parties. During a joint press conference with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Ankara, Erdogan emphasized the importance of stabilization and peace within the Great Lakes Region, underscoring Türkiye’s commitment to contributing to these efforts.
Erdogan referenced ongoing insurgency issues in eastern Congo, specifically citing the M23 rebels and allegations against Rwanda regarding their support for the group. He reiterated Türkiye’s support for Angolan mediation efforts aimed at facilitating direct negotiations between the conflicting parties, suggesting that African nations should collaborate to address their regional problems.
The relations between Türkiye and Rwanda have flourished significantly since the establishment of their embassies in 2013 and 2014, with bilateral investments nearing $500 million. Erdogan expressed optimism about increasing Turkish investments in Rwanda, emphasizing the latter’s status as a model of political stability and economic development in Africa.
President Kagame acknowledged Türkiye’s investment contributions and stressed Rwanda’s openness to further cooperation with Turkish businesses. He commended Türkiye for its successful mediation efforts in previous conflicts and highlighted the importance of regional responsibility in addressing instability.
Both leaders expressed a shared vision for deeper cooperation as they discussed frameworks for enhancing collaboration in various sectors. Kagame concluded by praising Türkiye’s resilience following the recent earthquakes and offering condolences for the tragic fire incident in Türkiye’s Bolu province.
The context surrounding this article involves Türkiye’s diplomatic engagement and mediation efforts in African conflicts, showcasing its growing role in international relations. The dispute between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo is rooted in historical tensions exacerbated by ongoing insurgent activities, particularly from the M23 rebels. Türkiye’s proactive stance aims to foster stability in the Great Lakes Region and enhance bilateral relationships with African nations, reflected in its growing investments and diplomatic partnerships.
In summary, Türkiye, under President Erdogan’s leadership, expresses strong commitment to support efforts to resolve the Rwanda-DRC dispute, emphasizing African solutions to African problems. The meeting between Erdogan and Kagame marks a significant step in deepening cooperation, particularly in economic investment and regional stability. Both leaders are focused on maximizing collaboration in various domains to unlock their nations’ potential and address regional challenges collectively.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
