President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks with President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Félix Tshisekedi in a narrow format

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At Akorda, an official welcoming ceremony was held for the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who arrived in Kazakhstan on a state visit.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Félix Tshisekedi introduced the members of their official delegations. Following this, the commander of the honor guard company delivered a welcoming report, and the national anthems of Kazakhstan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were performed. The two heads of state then proceeded to the hall for restricted-format talks.

President Tokayev thanked Félix Tshisekedi for accepting his invitation to visit Astana.

- Your first state visit carries great significance. It will give new impetus to the development of relations between Kazakhstan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Kazakhstan regards your country as an important partner on the African continent and is interested in a comprehensive expansion of bilateral cooperation. With a population of over 110 million, your nation is rich in human and natural resources, while its authority continues to grow at both international and regional levels. In this regard, I believe today's talks will contribute to strengthening ties between Central Asia and Africa. Expanding cooperation with African states is one of the key priorities of Kazakhstan's foreign policy, - Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized.

In turn, President Félix Tshisekedi expressed confidence that the outcome of today's meeting would help to deepen ties between the two nations.

- Allow me to thank you, and through you, the entire people of Kazakhstan for the very warm welcome extended to me personally and to my delegation. I am here to strengthen ties and cooperation not only between our countries but also more broadly between the African region and Central Asia. These are two worlds far apart, yet visits like this allow us to come closer and better understand one another. We have already had the opportunity to work with your country through the company ERG, which is very active in the mining industry. At the same time, I believe there are many other areas where we could share expertise and enhance our cooperation, - Félix Tshisekedi noted.

During the conversation, the presidents also discussed pressing issues on the international and regional agenda.