Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila on Friday suggested the creation of permanent structures to ensure agreements signed between his country and South Africa are put into practice.
These should be created in both countries, he said at the start of a Binational Commission (BNC) meeting he is to co-chair with President Thabo Mbeki in Pretoria.
Kabila also proposed the development of business plans ”to reach the results we would like to obtain”.
He welcomed regular diplomatic consultations between the two countries since the creation of the BNC last August.
Progress has been made in cooperation on issues such as health, the reform of public services, defence and the promotion and protection of investments.
He expressed the hope that new agreements will be reached on the prevention of double taxation and tax evasion.
Agreements on mining, energy and transport should also be concluded ”because the DRC has tremendous potential and South Africa a lot of experience in these areas”.
South Africa and the DRC are poles of development for the African continent, Kabila said.
”We have the assets required for development. Together we can ensure that we reach our common objectives based on peace, stability and sustainable development.”
Mbeki said South Africa is inspired by the work the transitional government of the DRC has been doing under Kabila.
”Very important work has taken place,” he said.
Mbeki noted that reduced news coverage about the DRC is a sign of progress.
”In this case, no news is good news,” he said. — Sapa