Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a phone conversation with the Special Security Advisor to the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Désiré-Cashmir Eberande Kolongele. Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Ihor Brusylo also took part in the call.
Andriy Yermak thanked the Democratic Republic of the Congo for supporting key UN resolutions condemning Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
“We respect the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as we do that of all countries with internationally recognized borders. We adhere to a clear position that all states must strictly comply with international law without any exceptions,” he emphasized.
The Head of the Presidential Office provided details of the daily Russian shellings of Ukraine, including a missile strike on Kryvyi Rih that claimed the lives of 20 people, nine of whom were children. Special attention was paid to the frontline situation: it remains difficult, although Ukrainian defenders are preventing the Russian Federation from achieving tangible success.
The parties also discussed Ukraine's diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and sustainable peace. Our state agreed to a ceasefire, but Russia has taken no steps indicating a willingness to move toward peace.
Andriy Yermak noted that despite the ongoing war, Ukraine remains a guarantor of global food security. The Grain from Ukraine humanitarian initiative has become a key tool in the fight against the food crisis. In total, over 290,000 tons of agricultural products have been delivered under this program to 13 countries in Africa and Asia, including the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Other important topics included the development of trade and economic cooperation in agriculture, energy, construction, and the implementation of infrastructure projects.
The Head of the Presidential office also highlighted the importance of opening the Embassy of Ukraine in Kinshasa and expressed hope for the opening of a DRC diplomatic mission in Kyiv. The parties agreed to maintain regular dialogue and give new impetus to the development of cooperation in areas of mutual interest.