Joint statement between the United Arab Emirates and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

On November 16, 2025, the UAE and the Democratic Republic of the Congo held talks during the official visit of His Excellency Sheikh Shakhbut bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, during which he met with His Excellency Felix Antoine Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the two sides discussed bilateral relations and regional developments of common interest.

The UAE and the Democratic Republic of the Congo emphasized the strong bilateral relations, which are characterized by solid cooperation and a long track record of partnerships between the two countries. The two sides also pointed to the growing progress in recent years, and agreed to continue strengthening relations between the two friendly countries.

The UAE welcomed the Democratic Republic of the Congo assuming the presidency of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, and stressed its pivotal role in enhancing regional stability and addressing the pressing challenges facing the region.

The two sides also reviewed the security scene on a large scale within the continent and outside it, in addition to exchanging views and discussing ways to reduce escalation and support efforts aimed at resolving conflicts that affect all countries of the continent.

The UAE welcomed the signing of the Doha Framework Agreement for Peace between the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congo River Alliance – March 23 Movement, which is considered a pivotal step in achieving national reconciliation and the security, prosperity and comprehensive peace that the friendly people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo aspire to.

Regarding Sudan, the two sides condemned the attacks on civilians launched by both parties to the conflict in El Fasher and throughout Sudan, and called on the warring parties to protect civilians and humanitarian workers.

The UAE and the Democratic Republic of the Congo also stressed that the main responsibility for ending the civil war lies with the Port Sudan Authority and the Rapid Support Forces, stressing the need to hold accountable those responsible for the crimes committed, and the need to stop the use of food and aid as a weapon against civilians.

The two sides stressed that Sudan’s future cannot be dictated by extremist groups that belong to or are closely linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, whose influence has led to destabilization in the region.

The two sides welcomed the efforts of the Quartet, which includes the United Arab Emirates, the United States, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, who stressed the importance of reaching a humanitarian truce that paves the way for a permanent ceasefire, the unimpeded delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to all parts of Sudan, and the transition to an independent, civilian-led government that is not subject to the control of the warring parties and extremist networks.

The two sides also agreed to communicate closely with regional and international partners to support collective efforts, within the framework of the Quartet, with the aim of ending the civil war and restoring peace, stability and unity to Sudan.

The two sides also called on Iran to end the occupation of the three UAE islands: Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, which is a violation of state sovereignty and the principles of the United Nations Charter. The two sides expressed their deep concern about the lack of progress in resolving the dispute over the three islands. They also renewed their support for reaching a peaceful settlement of this dispute through bilateral negotiations or by referring the case to the International Court of Justice in accordance with international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

They also highlighted the pivotal role of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, hosted by the UAE in partnership with Senegal and scheduled to be held in December 2026, to enhance global efforts in the field of water. The two sides also pointed to the UAE’s contributions to enhancing technology and innovation in the field of water and expanding the scope of solutions in this field, including the UAE’s launch of the “Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative.”

The two sides also stressed the importance of sustainable cooperation and commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.