Abdullah bin Zayed receives DR Congo Deputy Prime Minister

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed met Jean‑Pierre Bemba in Abu Dhabi to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership between the UAE and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Talks focus on economic, trade and development cooperation

ABU DHABI, 15 September 2026 — H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, received Jean‑Pierre Bemba Gombo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transportation, Channels of Communications and Rural Development of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Abu Dhabi.

The meeting addressed bilateral relations and explored ways to strengthen cooperation across economic, trade and development sectors within the framework of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership between the UAE and the DRC. Sheikh Abdullah welcomed Mr Bemba’s visit and underscored the growing ties between the two friendly countries.

Officials noted that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership has opened broad prospects for enhancing collaboration that supports both nations’ development priorities. Discussions focused on practical avenues for cooperation that align with each country’s vision for comprehensive and sustainable development.

Sheikh Abdullah and Mr Bemba exchanged views on a range of issues of shared interest, with an emphasis on leveraging the partnership to stimulate trade, investment and infrastructure cooperation. The meeting underlined the mutual interest in strengthening institutional and private‑sector links that could facilitate economic growth and development outcomes in both countries.

The delegation from the UAE included Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, who attended the talks. The presence of senior officials from both sides reflected the importance attached to advancing the bilateral relationship and implementing aspects of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership framework.

While the discussions were principally centred on economic and developmental cooperation, they also provided an opportunity to review broader diplomatic ties and to consider next steps for bilateral engagement. Both parties affirmed their commitment to sustained dialogue and to identifying specific projects and mechanisms that would deepen cooperation in transport, communications and rural development, among other priority areas.

The meeting in Abu Dhabi builds on recent efforts to enhance UAE relations with African countries through targeted partnerships and investment initiatives, and represents a continued diplomatic focus on fostering long‑term, mutually beneficial relationships.

Source: WAM