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Rubio Secretary: Thank you all for being here today. It – I am honored to be here with my counterpart, foreign ministers in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in order to witness the declaration of the principles of peace in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is a declaration that determines a fundamental understanding of regional governance, security, economic frameworks, ending the fighting and allowing the region to reach its full potential.
The eastern part of the Democratic Republic witnessed 30 years of conflict. The solid peace and long -term economic development will not be easy, but it is important. The presence of both my counterparts here, the foreign ministers in these concerned countries explain the beginning of a strong commitment to the talks that we need in order to reach a solution.
I am proud to work for the president who made peace, stable global peace, and the priority of this administration, and today is evidence of this. He wants to see a peaceful decision in many parts of the world, but he wants to see a peaceful decision here, and we want to play a constructive, fruitful and important role in ensuring that this happens. A solid peace in the Great Lakes region will open the door for our major western investments and wider Western investment, which will lead to economic opportunities and prosperity. It will also help President Trump’s prosperity agenda to the world. It, as they call it, is a victory for all those concerned-the United States, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Rwanda.
Our companies are good citizens of American companies and companies, and they will bring good rule and guarantee the responsible and reliable supply chains of things like critical minerals that benefit regional governments, our partners and our allies as well. This economic development, along with a solid peace – and I would like to say a solid peace that comes before economic development; It is impossible to dispense with peace – millions of displaced people will also be allowed to return to their homes, to the safer for new economic societies that have survived generations.
The African Union and regional economic societies in Africa have done an incredible work, and we need to realize that in combining parties and laying the foundation for these talks. Our government here focuses on activating these efforts. Therefore, we will be in close contact with our African Union partners to ensure that we can achieve this to fruits and see that this best future reaches everyone.
I want to thank our great advisor, Mr. Paulus, and his counterparts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, for seeing their hard work. Today is a step to build a large and prosperous lakes area, and we look forward to working with all concerned to achieve this goal. Thank you.
Foreign Minister Wagner: Ideal, thank you. Mr. Secretary –
Rubio Secretary: apologetic. I should have moved to you instead of – I apologize.
Foreign Minister Wagner: No thanks necessary. (He laughed.)
Rubio Secretary: I was looking –
Foreign Minister Wagner: No thanks necessary. Thank you. Mr. Foreign Minister, Respected Senator Marco Rubio, His Excellency Mr. Olivier Ndouhonghriya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Rwanda, distinguished study, distinguished guests, women and masters: Today it does not represent an end, and the beginning towards peace that has been taken with determination and purpose. This moment carries a special weight for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In Guma, in Bukavo, and outside, the reality of displacement, insecurity and hardship continues. For us, the urgency of this initiative is not a theory; He is a human being.
We sign this announcement of principles is not as a symbolic gesture but as a political commitment: Re -confirming the principles stipulated in international law, the last of which is a recent resonance in the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2773, a decision calling for the withdrawal of all immediate and unconditional foreign forces, and the verification of all foreign forces from the sovereign lands in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We are evident in the Great Lakes region. Peace must come first, followed by rebuilding confidence, and then – only when the conditions are correct – reopening the path of the path to a meaningful bilateral cooperation. Many previous efforts have failed because the sequence and accountability were ignored. Peace and development can only depend on good intentions. It should be based on responsibility, clear obligations, measuable schedules, and the consequences of non -compliance. This is the only way to restore credibility not only between countries but with people who are waiting for peace to become real.
Today’s announcement of the principles renewed hope. It reflects the intention of the United States to complete and support regional and international efforts. This initiative brings accountability and benefits from difficult lessons from the previous efforts that it failed to achieve. So the good news is that there is hope for peace. Real news and peace must be obtained, and it will take danger, transparency and sincerity. We welcome the leadership of the United States of America, a country that has shown fixed support and consistent principles and resolving them in multilateral forums, especially in the US US Security Council.
Mr. Al -Amin, Senator Rubio, I would like to express our deep gratitude. Dr. Paulus, also, your intensive consultations throughout the region have brought the differences, depths and humanity to this process, and your presence today confirms that diplomacy should listen to it, understand the live experiences of those most affected, and seek permanent solutions. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is recognized and this participation has been valued in the United States. We also encourage us by US -backed initiatives that enhance secure metal value chains and comprehensive economic growth. These efforts reaffirm that peace and prosperity are inseparable. Every step towards stability is a step towards dignity, jobs and schools. This is the promise of responsible investment and the basic partnership with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country not only appears from conflict but also at the heart of finding solutions to global challenges.
For our citizens and women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially in the East, we know that you are watching this moment with anxiety, with hope, and yes, with doubt. And you are right to do so. You have all the reasons to expect more promises. You are entitled to have actions that reach the suffering you endured. We are based on the strength of your elasticity, from your commitment to justice, and from our constantly firm belief that our sovereignty and lands are not negotiable. We are a nation that honors its responsibilities, and we understand that history and geography, and yes, maybe even the fate has given us the neighbors we have. The boundaries that we inherited as the African Union confirmed is permanent and will never change. But behind these lines, the dates, families and societies that bind us together. This joint heritage calls for maturity, control and wisdom to recognize that peace is not weak, it is power.
Again, we stand at a crossroads with peace on hand. We, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are determined to move forward, and build on lessons from the past. We stand as a nation dedicated to achieving permanent peace. We welcome the support of a strong partner next to us. I express an official hope that all parties will take this opportunity just as we chose, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Thank you.
Rubio Secretary: Thank you, my lady, the minister.
The Minister.
Foreign Minister Nadhonghi: Thank you. Good evening On behalf of President Paul Kajami and the Rwandan government, I want to start thank President Donald Trump to enable a real change in the conversation on how to resolve the situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, which led to the signing of the Declaration of Principles today.
I thank the secretary Marco Rubio and the government of the United States for hosting us, and praised the positive role played by the great adviser, Masad Paulus, his team and other officials in the great progress that has been fulfilled so far.
Today we are talking about real issues, and the radical reasons that must be addressed to achieve permanent peace in our region. These include, first and foremost, security as well as the return of refugees. In addition, and most importantly, we discuss how to build a new original economic value that links our countries, including with American private sector investments.
Our goal is a safe area-a void of violent ethnic extremism-is tight. By working together, our region can be a driver of prosperity for all our peoples and indeed Africa as a whole. The Declaration of Principles opens the door to a final peace agreement, which gives a new force to the ongoing efforts of Africa -led in the shadow of East Africa and the South African Development Society, as well as the Doha path that Qatar is easier, where we have seen important breakthroughs in recent days.
Our common goal is to conclude a comprehensive peace agreement as soon as possible, but there are no quick shortcuts or reforms, and we have to do the hard work to accomplish it properly once and for all. Rwanda is committed and we are ready to continue working with all partners concerned to ensure the success of this initiative.
Thank you all.
Rubio Secretary: Thank you. Good.
Big Advisers Paulus: Minister Rubio, as a witness, signs the declaration of principles between the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the government of the Republic of Rwanda.
This declaration commits the parties to mutual recognition of regional sovereignty and integrity, addressing security concerns, enhancing regional economic integration, facilitating the return of the displaced, supporting Monosco, and drafting the peace agreement.
These are serious obligations from each side. The presence of the Secretary here today as a witness indicates the importance of the United States ’places to resolve this conflict to ensure the prosperity of both countries and their people. We look forward to working with both sides to enhance our current partnerships and the results of winning both sides.
(The Declaration of Principles has been signed.)
(applause.)
Big Advisers Paulus: This concludes the ceremony. Thank you.
