Japan-Democratic Republic of the Congo Relations
Japan-the Democratic Republic of the Congo Summit Meeting
August 21, 2025
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
On August 21, commencing at 2:50 p.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H. E. Mrs. Judith SUMINWA Tuluka, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who is visiting Japan to participate in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). The overview of the meeting is as follows:
- At the outset, Prime Minister ISHIBA welcomed Prime Minister Suminwa's visit to Japan following the National Day of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai in July this year, and stated his desire to develop the mutually beneficial relations between the two countries based on thier long-standing cooperative relations. In response, Prime Minister Suminwa, referring to Japan’s techological prowess, expressed her expectation to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
- Following that, Prime Minister ISHIBA proposed preliminary consultations with an eye toward an investment agreement. He also stated that the stability of the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo is essential for the stability and development of the entire Africa, and expressed his hope that the peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda will be steadily implemented, leading to peace and stability as well as economic development in the entire region. In response, Prime Minister Suminwa expressed her gratitude for Japan's support to date and her expectation for further assistance.
- The two leaders confirmed to closely work together in the international arena, including the United Nations Security Council reform.