Erdogan Holds Talks With Rwanda And DRC Leaders Over Regional Tensions

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held separate phone calls with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi, discussing bilateral ties and efforts to ease tensions between Rwanda and the DRC. Erdogan said Türkiye would strengthen cooperation with both countries, particularly in trade, investment, defence and security. He also reaffirmed Türkiye's support for ongoing efforts to achieve a lasting and peaceful resolution to the security situation in eastern DRC and expressed readiness to help create conditions for implementing existing agreements.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has held separate telephone conversations with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi, focusing on bilateral relations and efforts to reduce tensions in the region.
Türkiye's Communications Directorate said Erdogan spoke with Tshisekedi on Thursday about relations between Türkiye and the DRC.

TURKEY SEEKS STRONGER TIES WITH DRC

During the call, Erdogan said Türkiye would continue working to strengthen cooperation with the DRC in several areas, including investment, trade, defence and security.
He also expressed Türkiye's support for ongoing efforts aimed at achieving a lasting and peaceful solution to the security situation in eastern DRC.
Erdogan said Türkiye was prepared to make the necessary contribution towards creating a constructive environment for the implementation of existing agreements.

ERDOGAN SPEAKS WITH KAGAME

In a separate conversation with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Erdogan highlighted what he described as positive developments in trade and investment between Türkiye and Rwanda.
He said Türkiye would continue expanding cooperation with Rwanda in various areas, particularly the defence industry.
The Turkish president also welcomed efforts to reduce tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.
Erdogan praised what he described as a continued constructive approach between the two countries and reaffirmed Türkiye's support for the process.

REGIONAL PEACE EFFORTS

The conversations come as diplomatic efforts continue to address insecurity and tensions in eastern DRC, where armed conflict has contributed to a prolonged humanitarian crisis.
Türkiye has sought to strengthen its diplomatic and economic relationships across Africa while also positioning itself as a supporter of dialogue and regional stability.
Erdogan's discussions with Kagame and Tshisekedi underline Ankara's interest in supporting peace efforts while expanding its economic, defence and security partnerships with both Rwanda and the DRC.
For Türkiye, maintaining constructive relations with both countries could provide an opportunity to contribute to regional diplomacy and encourage the implementation of agreements aimed at easing tensions.