India and Congo today held wide- ranging talks on the entire gamut of bilateral ties during which the African nation sought punishment to those involved in killing of a Congolese national here in May that had triggered outrage among African envoys.
In his meeting with Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar, Congo's Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Raymond Tshibanda N'Tungamulongo condemned the unfortunate incidents related to Congolese nationals in India.
Killing of Congolese national Masonda Ketada Oliver following a brawl here had triggered backlash as Indian shops and establishments in Congo's capital Kinshasa were attacked.
N'Tungamulongo, who arrived here yesterday on a three-day visit, conveyed to Akbar that his Government will take all necessary measures to provide security to the Indian nationals residing in Congo.
"The visiting Foreign Minister condemned the recent unfortunate incidents related to Congolese nationals in India as well as the reprisal against Indian nationals in Kinshasa.
"He appreciated the pro-active steps undertaken by the Government of India in both the incidents and requested for speedy trial so that justice could be done. He also assured that his government will take all necessary measures to provide security to the Indian nationals residing in Democratic Republic of Congo," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.
He said Akbar informed N'Tungamulongo of the "swift" action taken by India's law enforcement agencies to apprehend the culprits involved in the incident and underlined that "as people, society and nation, we do not believe in racial discrimination."
Swarup said the two ministers held wide ranging discussions today on entire gamut of bilateral relationship.
"The visiting Foreign Minister expressed DRC's support to India's candidature for a non-permanent seat of the UN Security Council for the term 2021-22 for which elections will be held at the 74th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York in June 2020," said the MEA Spokesperson.
He said the Congolese Foreign Minister conveyed to Akbar his government's deep appreciation for the assistance provided by India to his country in areas of skill development and capacity building.
India has funded several projects in Congo through concessional lines of credit amounting to approximately US 495 million. The projects have been in diverse areas such as setting up a cement plant, acquisition of buses, rural water supply, hydro-electric power projects and power distribution projects.
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