Vucic: Preserving the UN order is of essential importance for peace and stability in the world

Vučić i Čisakedi Čilombo
Source: Kosovo Online

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic emphasized, following his meeting with the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, that both sides agreed preserving the United Nations order is of essential importance for maintaining peace and stability in the world. Tshisekedi Tshilombo expressed gratitude to the President of Serbia for the support extended regarding the preservation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Congo.

“We spoke about the geopolitical situation and agreed that preserving the UN order is of fundamental importance for safeguarding peace and stability worldwide. I wish President Tshisekedi the greatest success in the talks with those who have occupied part of his country, and I know he will conduct them in the best interest of his citizens. Initiatives put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump can always bring positive results, and I know President Tshisekedi as a man who will always firmly defend the interests of the Congolese people and uphold international justice in line with the UN Charter,” President Vucic underlined.

At the joint press conference, he expressed satisfaction that President Tshisekedi was visiting Belgrade for the second time, noting that he always brings from Kinshasa a sense of understanding and respect for Serbia, respect for its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and support in international institutions—just as Serbia provides support to the Congo wherever and whenever possible.

“With immense gratitude for everything you have done for us in the UN and other international organizations, you can always count on Serbia’s support. Just as you have defended the UN Charter and the territorial integrity of Serbia, we will defend the territorial integrity of the Congo, respect the UN, its Charter and its resolutions, and always stand on the side of law and justice,” Vucic stressed.

Vucic emphasized that Serbia’s cooperation with the Congo is more than a relationship based on interests—rather, it is rooted in friendship and deep and sincere mutual understanding.

“The African continent and the people of Africa are among the most warmly regarded in Serbia, owing to our shared history within the Non-Aligned Movement and the positive experiences we have always had with African countries. We want to expand the areas of cooperation. We discussed the best ways to move in that direction. The documents signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Interior, and the Minister of Sports signify that we will have more frequent consultations on all key issues,” the Serbian President said.

He conveyed that they also discussed practical cooperation in several fields.

“The main agricultural crop in the Congo is corn, and our Seed Institute can assist. We will do everything we can to support the rapid development of agricultural activities in line with growing needs for modern technologies and to create conditions for higher yields. We also discussed military-technical cooperation—which is an important area for us, given that our production capacity exceeds the needs of our country. We furthermore talked about cooperation in advancing the education of young people who should serve as a bridge between Serbia and the Congo, including the awarding of scholarships in various fields—not only for general education, but also through the creation of special departments that would enable young people from the Congo to become a link of cooperation. Across all social sectors, we see broad opportunities and prospects for strengthening ties,” Vucic stated.

He added that cooperation can also grow in the field of modern technologies.

“In the areas of software and ICT—in modern technologies—we can do a great deal together. I believe we can work on talent exchange, as there are many talented people in the Congo, enabling us to keep pace with those ahead of us. We must not miss that train. Both of our countries have significant potential, and we will work on this in the years ahead,” Vucic underlined.

He noted that the two countries achieved solid trade exchange last year, with the main driver being imports by the company Zijin, worth several hundred million dollars.

“I believe that in the years ahead our trade exchange can grow further, and that the Congo can become a sort of natural hub for Serbia in the southern part of Central Africa, as well as toward Eastern and Western Africa,” Vucic said.

Tshisekedi: Gratitude for Serbia’s Support in Preserving Congo’s Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty

President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo expressed gratitude to the President of Serbia for the support extended in preserving the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Congo.

“President Vucic has once again expressed his support and firm position regarding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Congo. We are deeply grateful for that, because my country is the victim of unjust and barbaric aggression by a neighboring country, Rwanda. Support in such challenges offers us comfort that we feel very deeply,” Tshisekedi said.

He stated that he discussed numerous topics with the President of Serbia, ranging from security and defense, to education, healthcare, infrastructure, and agriculture, noting that the DR Congo provides many opportunities for countries willing to develop partnerships.

“We discussed everything, and President Vucic expressed his desire for our two countries to draw even closer and share common experiences,” Tshisekedi added.

He also referenced potential cooperation in the fields of mining and environmental protection.

“You can understand why this moment is one of happiness and joy for me—being here and being able to discuss all topics openly. I am grateful for the warm welcome. This is my second visit, and on both occasions I have been received with great kindness. I always feel at home here, and I thank you for that. I promise to return whenever invited,” the President of the DR Congo said.