Israel Welcomes DRC Delegation to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Israel hosted senior Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) officials on Tuesday, marking a move to deepen bilateral ties, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’Ar said in a post on X/Twitter.

“I was honored to welcome Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the DRC’s Foreign Minister, to Jerusalem once again, as she accompanies President Felix Tshisekedi on his visit to Israel,” he posted.

Sa’Ar noted that the two sides held comprehensive talks covering the enhancement of security and economic cooperation.

The two officials also addressed the implementation of the ongoing peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, Sa’Ar said.

“The DRC is a valued friend to Israel, and I anticipate that we will soon be able to announce a major advancement in our bilateral relations,” he stated.

President Isaac Herzog shared images of the visit on X/Twitter, extending a warm welcome to Tshisekedi, whom he referred to as “my dear friend.”

Israel, DRC share a history of fluctuating ties

Israel and the DRC established diplomatic ties after the DRC gained independence in 1960. However, those ties were cut after the Yom Kippur War in 1973, when the Arab League pressed African nations to break relations with Israel.

Then‑President Mobutu Sese Seko framed the decision as a choice between a “friend” and a “brother.”

In the early 1980s, the DRC was among the first African nations to re‑establish relations with Israel.

Since then, Tshisekedi has deepened cooperation with Israel across agriculture, technology, and security.

According to a 2025 report by Turkey’s state‑run Anadolu Agency, Tshisekedi said the talks with Israel were progressing “very, very well” and that the DRC had “many opportunities” to present to Israel ahead of Herzog’s visit to the country last year.

“The evidence is clear: the friendship runs deep between our two nations, through mutually beneficial projects, and this represents an opportunity we must seize,” Herzog told Anadolu.

Herzog returns the visit

“I am delighted to return the hospitality and welcome you to Israel after you so graciously hosted me in Kinshasa,” Herzog told Tshisekedi. “The relationship with the Democratic Republic of the Congo is extremely important to us. We share numerous areas of cooperation, and we greatly value your support for Israel on the world stage. This visit underscores the depth and significance of our ties.”

Herzog also noted that Israel is placing a “major focus” on its African partnerships. “I have been fortunate to travel to Africa many times in recent years and look forward to further visits and dialogues with African leaders across the continent,” he said.

The President stated that Israel’s ties with Africa are rooted in “a love of the Bible and a vision of progress and doing good within the family of nations.”

“I recognize that you are grappling with numerous challenges,” he told Tshisekedi, “but we stand ready to assist and support — particularly in the humanitarian difficulties you encounter across many sectors — as well as other matters vital to your nation’s well‑being and interests.”

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