Kinshasa, July 29th, 2025 (CPA).- The resumption of the demilitarisation of the islands and the operationalization of official entry points have been discussed at the opening of the meeting of the Joint Technical Border Commission between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Congo (RC), according to a statement released on Tuesday.
‘The Deputy Prime Minister Shabani has emphasised the need to strengthen regular contacts between the two parties, proposing the creation of joint teams to define a clear methodology, budget and timetable for resuming operations suspended since 2015, in particular the demilitarisation of the islands and the operationalization of official entry points,’ the statement has specified. According to the source, these works of the Joint Technical Border Commission and the eleventh special session of the Defence and Security Commission currently underway in the city of Oyo, Congo-Brazzaville, mark a new stage in the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two neighbouring countries. ‘(These works) mark a new stage in strengthening bilateral ties between the two neighbouring countries,’ it is read in this statement. ‘In a regional context marked by various cross-border threats, these meetings are of a strategic importance. They provide a forum for frank dialogue on sensitive issues relating to security, border management and the implementation of joint control mechanisms,’ the source has emphasised. And to specify that on this occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister Jacquemain Shabani, head of DRC government delegation to the meetings, has delivered a speech marked by fraternity, political will and mutual commitment. ‘The head of the Congo Kinshasa delegation, Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo Bihango, has said he was honoured to participate in these two joint meetings, praising the warm hospitality of the host government,’ the source has emphasised.
The banner for the proceedings displayed in the room
Jacquemain Shabani, who has referred to the previous meetings held in Kinshasa in June 2024, has remembered that several recommendations are still awaiting implementation.
According to the source, this member of DRC government, confident about the expected results, has expressed the hope that this session will lead to concrete resolutions, in line with the expectations of both peoples and the common vision of their leaders.CPA/