DR Congo to open diplomatic commerce mission in Jerusalem
The Congolese President said the new mission would focus on economic ties between the two countries
The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo announced Thursday that his country will soon open an economic diplomatic mission in Jerusalem.
During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Thursday afternoon, President Felix Tshisekedi said DR Congo would strengthen its diplomatic ties with Israel.
The Congolese leader promised the opening of a commerce branch in Jerusalem last year, on the occasion of the annual conference of AIPAC, a major American Jewish lobby.
During the meeting, he explained that the new mission will have the responsibility of strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
Tshisekedi, who is also the president of the African Union, also affirmed that he supported Israel's membership in the organization as an observer.
During his visit to Jerusalem on Wednesday, the Congolese president visited the Mount Herzl cemetery, where he met Yaakov Hagoel, the executive chairman of the World Zionist Organization.
Felix Tshisekedi also visited the Yad Vashem Memorial and its Holocaust museum, as well as an emergency response center shortly before his meeting with Naftali Bennett.
Before his visit, several signs were installed in Jerusalem on major roads, with messages protesting the Congolese leader's arrival, accusing him of promoting antisemitism.
The message "Felix, Stop the Corrupt Anti-Semitic Discrimination" was written on these banners, according to The Times of Israel.
Such messages refer to a bill that Tshisekedi wishes to pass in his country to prevent his main political rival, Moise Katumbi, who is of Jewish heritage, from running against him.