Sri Lankan Ambassador to Kenya, Kana Kananathan, who is also accredited to Congo, held high-level discussions yesterday with key officials of the Congolese government to enhance the multifaceted relationship between the two countries.
Kananathan met with Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Chief of Defense Staff General Christian Tshiwewe Songesha. Their discussions covered a broad spectrum of topics, including economic diplomacy, trade relations, investment flows, and cooperation in renewable energy.
Kananathan highlighted the interest of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in the renewable energy sector of East Africa, emphasizing the vast opportunities in mini-hydro energy projects within Congo due to its numerous rivers. He noted that the Sri Lankan conglomerate LOLC has already established a presence in Congo’s banking and microfinance sectors.
Foreign Minister Wagner expressed enthusiasm for the strengthened partnership, praising Kananathan for his initiatives. She assured full government support for the endeavors of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs and highlighted the importance of comprehensive cooperation at all levels.
Both officials agreed on the importance of mutual support in international fora to advance their shared interests. “Our exchange of regional and global assessments is always valuable,” Minister Wagner remarked.
In discussions with General Christian Tshiwewe, the focus shifted to defense cooperation. The General emphasized the significant benefits Congo could gain from Sri Lanka’s expertise in comprehensive defense strategies.
Kananathan underscored Sri Lanka’s rich experience in counter-terrorism efforts, highlighting successful strategies in combating terrorism and maintaining national security. The potential for joint training programs and knowledge exchange to enhance Congo’s defense capabilities was also discussed.
