Kinshasa: The newspaper Al-Raya highlighted the visit of HH the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, considering it a pivotal moment in the trajectory of relations between the two countries and in strengthening Qatar's growing presence in sub-Saharan Africa.

According to Qatar News Agency, in its editorial today, the newspaper noted that this visit, which was His Highness's first to DR Congo, reflected a shared will to elevate bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership.

The paper pointed out that the discussions held between His Highness the Amir and HE President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Felix Tshisekedi conveyed the clear message that relations between Doha and Kinshasa are entering a more mature and coordinated phase, particularly in the sectors of development, economy, investment, energy, health, and mining, in addition to political cooperation and the exchange of diplomatic expertise, especially in the field of mediation.

The editorial also emphasized that, since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2019, the two countries have maintained a coordinated approach in international forums, particularly regarding support for stability in the Great Lakes region and the strengthening of regional political dialogue.

Al-Raya added that HH the Amir's visit was not a ceremonial stop, but rather a step that lays the foundation for a deeper phase of cooperation and expanding partnership between the two countries.

It cited the shared desire to develop non-traditional economic partnerships, especially in agriculture and food security, as the Congo offers wide opportunities for agricultural investment and for enhancing production for regional and international markets.

In this context, the newspaper also highlighted the importance of the rare-metals sector, particularly cobalt, as a promising field for new partnerships aligned with rising global demand for strategic resources.

The newspaper also shed light on existing cooperation between the two countries on various fronts, noting that Qatar has contributed to supporting multiple infrastructure projects in Kinshasa and other regions, while Qatari humanitarian institutions have played an important role in improving healthcare services, supporting welfare programs, and assisting displaced persons.

Al-Raya also discussed the State of Qatar's role in peace diplomacy in the Great Lakes region, highlighting the recent success of Qatari mediation in bringing together the parties to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which resulted in the signing of the Doha Framework Agreement for Peace between the Congolese government and the March 23 Movement Alliance.

It explained that this agreement builds on the Doha Declaration of Principles, which paved the way for a negotiation process aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict, building trust, enhancing the protection of civilians, and ensuring the safe return of displaced populations.

The editorial concluded by affirming that the visit of HH the Amir constituted an advanced step toward solidifying a growing strategic partnership between Doha and Kinshasa and strengthening Qatar's role as an active partner in supporting development and stability in Africa.