Ashraf Siddiqui
Doha
President of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Felix Tshisekedi was the chief guest at the National Day celebrations of DRC held recently at the Expo House, Expo 2023 Doha, organised by the Embassy of DRC in Qatar in cooperation with the International Horticulture Expo 2023 Doha.
The dignitaries present on the occasion were Minister of Environment and Climate Change HE Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of DRC Christophe Lutundula Apala; Minister of Foreign Trade of Congo; Commissioner-General of Expo
Doha 2023 HE Ambassador Bader Al Dafa; Ambassador of Democratic Republic of Congo to Qatar HE Valerie Lusamba Kabeya; Secretary-General Expo Doha 2023 Mohammed Ali Al Khoori; Director Department of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar HE Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif
Fakhro; dignitaries, ambassadors and guests.
In his speech on behalf of the DR Congo delegation headed by the president, the Minister of Foreign Trade of Congo thanked the government of
Qatar for the warm reception, hospitality and focused attention accorded to the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the expo. He said that, in line with the expo’s theme ‘Green Desert, Better Environment’, the DRC affirms its dedication to sustainability, combating desertification and addressing global warming.
By positioning itself as the ‘green lung of the world’, the nation highlights its significant commitment to environmental preservation, showcased through expansive protected areas totalling 31,675,000 hectares and abundant water resources within the Congo Basin, he said.
He said the DRC takes pride in prioritising sustainable development, emphasising its diverse biodiversity and the critical role played by the Congo Basin Forest, the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest, in the global fight against climate change and desertification.
He added that the country underscores its agricultural potential, boasting 80 million hectares of arable land, creating opportunities for eco-friendly and sustainable practices that can enhance food security and drive economic growth.
The DRC Minster of Foreign Trade invited Qatari investors, particularly those in the clean energy sector, to explore his country’s extensive hydroelectric potential, estimated at 100,000 MW, signalling its readiness for renewable energy initiatives.
He added that the DRC possesses strategic minerals such as cobalt and lithium, crucial for the shift to greener energy sources, with a commitment to
their sustainable governance. The country reinforces its dedication to combating climate change through initiatives like the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan and emphasises the strategic importance of its peatlands, which house substantial carbon reservoirs, he said.
He said the DRC assumes a pivotal role in addressing global challenges like desertification and climate change, offering its natural wealth as a solution.
“The country warmly invites investment to unlock its environmental and agricultural potential, fostering mutual benefits. Its active participation in the expo and the open invitation to explore investment opportunities showcase its proactive approach to sustainable development and international collaboration for a brighter future,” the minister added.