Congo Becomes 11th Nation to Move Embassy to Jerusalem

The Democratic Republic of Congo announced on Thursday that it will move its embassy to Jerusalem, becoming the eleventh country to establish an embassy in Israel's capital. This decision follows a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi in Jerusalem on September 1st.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi and his Congolese counterpart, Marie Tumba Nzenza, held working meetings this week to facilitate the embassy move and the opening of an Israeli embassy in Kinshasa. Congo joins Nauru, which will open its embassy in Jerusalem next week, and Colombia, expected to do so in October.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa and second-largest on the continent, is a member of the UN Security Council and the Human Rights Council. It is rich in minerals crucial for the semiconductor, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicle industries, presenting significant potential for expanded economic and security cooperation with Israel.

Israel and the Democratic Republic of Congo share close, long-standing relations, including Congolese support for Israel in international forums. Congo also stood with Israel during proceedings at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.