Türkiye ready to support resolution of Rwanda-DRC dispute: Erdogan

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Thursday that Türkiye is prepared to offer any necessary support to help resolve the ongoing dispute between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), should both parties seek assistance.

“We, as Türkiye, are ready to provide any support necessary to resolve this issue, which will contribute to stability and peace in the Great Lakes Region, should both parties wish for it,” Erdogan said during a joint press conference with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Ankara.

The conflict in eastern Congo, where M23 rebels have been waging an insurgency since 2022, remains a point of tension. Kinshasa and others accuse Rwanda of backing the group, though Kigali has denied these allegations.

Meanwhile, stating that Paul Kagame’s visit to Türkiye marked the first presidential-level visit, Erdogan called it “a new milestone in deepening our cooperation.”

Highlighting that Türkiye’s relations with Rwanda gained significant momentum following the mutual opening of embassies in 2013 and 2014, he added that the two nations’ investments hit almost $500 million.

“Rwanda is an African country that serves as a model with its political stability, domestic peace, and economic development model,” he hailed.

Today’s meeting addressed steps that can be taken to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries in various sectors, Erdogan said, adding that they have decided to intensify efforts “to unlock the true potential of our trade with Rwanda.”

Turkish companies ranked among the top in Rwanda’s foreign trade is “promising for the future of” the economic relations, Erdogan said, adding they agreed on increasing Turkish companies’ investments in the upcoming period in Rwanda’s development.

Erdogan also commended Rwanda for its efforts in combating the FETO terrorist organization, which Türkiye holds responsible for the 2016 coup attempt that resulted in 252 deaths and thousands of injuries.

Rwanda welcomes even more Turkish companies

Stating that Rwanda and Türkiye are dedicated to discovering more opportunities to collaborate, Rwandan President Paul Kagame said on his behalf that signing agreements is an “indication of this shared vision of deeper cooperation.”

He praised Türkiye’s efforts on investments and support in the field of infrastructure development.

“Rwanda remains open to welcoming even more Turkish companies. There is certainly a lot we can do together and learn from one another,” Kagame said.

Highlighting their dedication to international peace and security, Kegame hailed Türkiye’s mediation efforts on various conflicts.

Praising Türkiye’s mediation efforts on the dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia, leading them to sign the Ankara Agreement last December, Kagame said that was “much appreciated.”

“We may find your good efforts helpful in the situation obtaining in our region, especially significantly involving the Democratic Republic of Congo,” he further said.

Kegame urged dealing with instability “ourselves, instead of outsourcing that responsibility” in the global security environment.

“For your strength, unity, and resilience demonstrated in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in 2023. Your recovery efforts provided a lesson to us all, once again,” he added.

He conveyed his condolences over the fire incident that occurred in a ski resort in Türkiye’s Bolu province, claiming at least 78 people’s lives.