The U.S. is in preliminary talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine to secure agreements for access to critical minerals. The DRC seeks support for its government amid unrest caused by rebel forces, while Ukraine remains cautious about the terms of a similar deal, emphasizing national interests and security guarantees.
The United States is currently in preliminary discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to establish an agreement for access to crucial minerals. Furthermore, Washington is also intent on forging a similar pact with Ukraine. The DRC possesses extensive reserves of copper, cobalt, and uranium. Recently, the DRC approached the United States with a proposal to exchange these minerals for support of President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration.
Local officials in the DRC are advocating for bolstered support for President Tshisekedi amidst the country’s current instability. Rebel forces, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have taken control of significant mineral-rich areas as well as major cities like Goma and Bukavu. Although discussions have intensified recently, several hurdles remain, suggesting that negotiations are still at an early stage.
A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department remarked, “The DR Congo is home to a significant portion of the world’s reserves of critical minerals needed for advanced technologies. The United States is open to discussing partnerships in this sector.” The spokesperson highlighted that a partnership involving American companies would bolster the economies of both nations. This initiative illustrates the United States’ strategic interest in securing global resources while simultaneously counteracting the dominance of Chinese firms in the DRC’s mining sector.
Regarding the proposed minerals agreement with Ukraine, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent initially introduced the draft on February 12, anticipating swift ratification by Kyiv. However, President Zelensky stated that he refrained from signing, asserting the absence of terms safeguarding Ukraine’s interests, particularly concerning investments, profits, and security assurances. Previously, former President Trump claimed that Ukraine had tentatively agreed to relinquish substantial rare earth metals in return for military support.
Following an altercation between Trump and Zelensky, U.S. officials persisted in their negotiations, advising Zelensky’s team to urge an apology from the Ukrainian president. On March 4, Zelensky admitted that his meeting with Trump “did not go as planned” and expressed the necessity of rectifying this. He indicated Ukraine’s readiness to finalize an agreement on its mineral resources “at any time and in any convenient format,” viewing it as vital for enhancing security and obtaining reliable guarantees.
In summary, the United States is seeking to secure agreements for access to critical minerals with both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine. While the DRC’s negotiations emphasize countering Chinese influence and bolstering the local economy, Ukraine remains cautious about the terms related to its national interests. The evolving discussions signal a strategic approach by the U.S. to strengthen its resource base while supporting political stability in these nations.
Original Source: babel.ua
