Lithuania establishes diplomatic relations with Democratic Republic of the Congo

VILNIUS - Lithuania has established formal diplomatic relations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday.

The agreement was finalised in a joint communique signed on September 24 in New York by Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys and Democratic Republic of the Congo Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie Therese Kayikwamba Wagner.

Budrys said the move provides a foundation for closer political dialogue, cooperation within international organisations and expanded economic ties.

According to the ministry, the ministers discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation and international coordination on Russia's war against Ukraine.

Budrys expressed Lithuania's readiness to share expertise in digital public services, cybersecurity, transparent public administration, skills development and the economic empowerment of young people and women.

The minister also urged the Democratic Republic of the Congo to continue supporting United Nations General Assembly resolutions and contribute to international efforts to end Russian aggression against Ukraine.