KINSHASA, DR Congo — Somalia’s new ambassador to Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the East African Community (EAC), Ilyas Ali Hassan, has officially presented his credentials to President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo during a ceremony at the Palais de la Nation in Kinshasa, officials said Monday.
Ambassador Hassan expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation, as well as for the continued support offered to the Somali community residing in the DRC.
He congratulated President Tshisekedi on the country’s election to the United Nations Security Council, calling it a major diplomatic achievement that underscores Congo’s expanding regional and global role. Somalia also holds a seat on the Council.
The ambassador reaffirmed Mogadishu’s commitment to strengthening ties with Kinshasa, emphasizing the need for deeper political, economic and social cooperation under the principles of African solidarity, mutual respect, and within the EAC framework.
Hassan proposed the creation of a Somalia–Congo Business Forum to promote trade and investment, noting that Somali entrepreneurs have made significant contributions across the EAC region — particularly in Kenya and Tanzania — and are eager to invest in Congo’s growing economy.
He also highlighted the importance of easing business licensing and visa procedures to encourage mobility and trade between the two nations.
Reiterating Somalia’s position on sovereignty and non-interference, Hassan expressed strong support for the DRC’s territorial integrity and welcomed ongoing peace efforts taking place in Washington and Doha.
The ambassador concluded by pledging to advance cooperation between Somalia, the DRC, Tanzania, and the wider EAC region — a partnership he said is essential for regional integration, stability and sustainable development, according to a statement from the Somali mission.
