Kinshasa, DRC – Somalia’s Ambassador to Tanzania and the East African Community, Ilyas Ali Hassan, officially presented his Letters of Credence to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, marking a new chapter in Somalia–DRC relations.
The ceremony, held on Monday in Kinshasa, underscored both nations’ commitment to deepening political, economic, and regional cooperation within the framework of the East African Community (EAC), where Somalia recently became the newest member. Amb. Hassan reaffirmed Somalia’s determination to play a constructive role in advancing regional integration, trade, and collective peacebuilding efforts.
The discussions between Amb. Hassan and Wagner also explored joint coordination at the United Nations Security Council, where Somalia and the DRC share common priorities on stability, development, and regional solidarity. Both sides agreed that closer diplomatic engagement can help amplify Africa’s voice on global platforms and strengthen collective responses to emerging challenges.
Amb. Hassan extended his appreciation to the Congolese government for warmly hosting a growing Somali community engaged in business and trade across the country. He highlighted their contribution to local economies and expressed Somalia’s interest in expanding investment and commercial partnerships between Mogadishu and Kinshasa.
The talks further touched on facilitating travel and visa processes to enhance business mobility and people-to-people connections—an area both governments view as essential to deepening regional integration.
The meeting concluded with mutual pledges to maintain regular dialogue, explore new avenues of cooperation, and strengthen the bonds of friendship between Somalia and the DRC within the wider East African framework.