Israeli Leader Meets President Tshisekedi in Kinshasa
Israeli President Isaac Herzog made a state visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Tuesday, where he met with President Félix Tshisekedi to discuss bilateral relations and regional challenges.
The visit began with an official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Kinshasa, followed by a diplomatic meeting between the two leaders. Both presidents later delivered joint statements to the media.
Herzog Offers Condolences to Goldin Family
At the start of his address, President Herzog expressed sorrow over the burial of Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, an Israeli soldier who was captured and killed in Gaza in 2014.
He said, “Israel mourns with the Goldin family as they finally lay their son to rest. After years of waiting and through the determined efforts of President Donald Trump and the ceasefire agreement with Gaza, we can now bring him home with dignity. We still have four hostages, and we hope to see them all return soon.”
Deepening Israel–Congo Relations
Herzog thanked President Tshisekedi for the warm welcome and recalled the historic ties between Israel and Congo, highlighting the visit of his late father, Chaim Herzog, to the DRC more than forty years ago.
“Our nations share a long-standing friendship rooted in both history and faith,” Herzog said. “It is deeply meaningful for me to follow in my father’s footsteps and to strengthen our bond through dialogue and cooperation.”
He added that both countries had agreed to upgrade bilateral relations and continue working together on development, justice, and international diplomacy. Herzog also congratulated Congo on its upcoming seat at the UN Security Council, expressing confidence in President Tshisekedi’s leadership and integrity.
Call for Global Attention to African Crises
Addressing the broader situation in Africa, Herzog noted the continent’s ongoing humanitarian and security challenges, including the conflict in Sudan. He urged the international community to pay more attention to Africa’s crises instead of “focusing obsessively on Israel.”
He also praised US efforts under President Trump’s leadership to promote peace between Congo and Rwanda, describing it as a vital step toward regional stability.
Commitment to Peace and Partnership
Concluding his remarks, Herzog expressed optimism about the future of Israel–Congo relations and called for continued cooperation in the pursuit of peace.
“My hope is that our nations will work together to ensure peace and stability that bless our peoples and the world,” he said. “Let us continue this journey in friendship and brotherhood, facing the future with faith and optimism.”
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