DRC, China Discuss Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation, Support

The Democratic Republic of Congo and China are exploring ways to deepen institutional cooperation through stronger parliamentary ties, with discussions covering capacity-building, technical support, and renewed inter-parliamentary engagement as a practical lever for strengthening bilateral relations accotding to  BETO.CD.

The conversation took place on Thursday, February 12, in Kinshasa between Aimé Boji Sangara, President of the National Assembly, and Zhao Bin, China’s ambassador accredited to the DRC. Members of parliament Augustin Kabuya and Faustin Kaziteriko also attended the exchange, which officials presented as part of ongoing efforts to consolidate what both sides described as a long-standing relationship of friendship and strategic cooperation.

While the meeting addressed the “worrying” security situation in eastern DRC, the diplomatic messaging extended beyond security concerns to a broader, institutional agenda. Both parties reaffirmed commitments to national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law principles frequently emphasized in formal bilateral engagements.

A central element of the talks was the reinforcement of bilateral partnerships in several strategic areas, including:

• Institutional capacity building for public governance and parliamentary functions

  
  

• Technical support in areas linked to cooperation priorities

  
  

• Revitalization of inter-parliamentary cooperation, framed as a key tool for deepening state-to-state ties

This parliamentary track reflects a wider pattern in modern diplomacy: legislatures increasingly serve as channels to sustain dialogue, support oversight and governance reforms, and provide continuity to bilateral cooperation especially when countries aim to expand collaboration across political and economic sectors.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists Zhao Bin as ambassador to the DRC, underscoring the formal level of representation involved in the Kinshasa discussions.

Security context remains in the background

Although the angle of the meeting emphasized cooperation mechanisms and institutional strengthening, the security situation in the East remained a clear backdrop. Zhao Bin conveyed Beijing’s solidarity and reiterated support for Congolese institutions’ efforts to preserve national unity and pursue lasting peace in the region, according to the National Assembly’s communication.

Similar language has appeared in China’s public statements at multilateral forums regarding the DRC, where Chinese representatives have reiterated support for the country’s sovereignty and stability.

Parliamentary diplomacy as a strategic channel

For the DRC’s National Assembly leadership, the meeting was also presented as an example of “parliamentary diplomacy” playing a growing role in consolidating partnerships and mobilizing international support. In practice, this can mean expanding parliamentary exchange programs, strengthening technical collaboration, and maintaining routine political dialogue that complements executive-level diplomacy.

Recent official reporting has also highlighted broader DRC–China engagement aimed at sustaining “comprehensive” cooperation, including political dialogue and development-oriented collaboration.