Kinshasa (KAAB TV) – The newly appointed Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ilyas Ali Hassan, officially presented his credentials to President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo during a formal ceremony held at the Palais de la Nation in Kinshasa.
The diplomatic event, attended by senior Congolese officials and members of the diplomatic corps, marked the beginning of a new chapter in the relations between Somalia and the DRC — two nations that share common goals in promoting peace, regional cooperation, and economic development within the African continent.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ilyas Ali Hassan expressed his deep gratitude to President Tshisekedi and the Congolese government for the warm welcome extended to him and for the continued hospitality shown toward the Somali community living in the DRC.
He acknowledged the long-standing friendship and solidarity between the two nations, emphasizing that both countries stand united in their commitment to advancing African integration and mutual development.
“It is a great honor to represent the people and government of Somalia in this beautiful country,” Ambassador Ilyas said. “We highly appreciate the support extended to the Somali community here and look forward to strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, and diplomacy.”
During the meeting, the Ambassador also congratulated President Tshisekedi on the DRC’s recent achievement of securing a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (2025–2026).
He reaffirmed Somalia’s readiness, as a fellow member of the Council, to work closely with the DRC on key regional and international issues, including peacekeeping, counterterrorism, and sustainable development.
Highlighting the importance of economic collaboration, Ambassador Ilyas proposed the establishment of a Somalia–Congo Business Forum, which would serve as a platform to foster investment, trade, and partnerships between entrepreneurs from both nations.
The forum, he said, would help unlock the potential for cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, mining, infrastructure, and technology.
Furthermore, Ambassador Ilyas called for the simplification of business permit and visa procedures to enhance mobility for traders and investors between the two countries.
He noted that both Somalia and the DRC, as members of the East African Community (EAC), have a shared responsibility to promote regional integration and economic growth.
In response, President Félix Tshisekedi welcomed the new Ambassador and reaffirmed the DRC’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Somalia. He emphasized that collaboration between the two nations could play a vital role in fostering stability and prosperity across the African continent.
The credential ceremony concluded with both leaders expressing optimism about the future of Somalia–DRC relations, pledging to strengthen cooperation in diplomacy, trade, education, and cultural exchange.