CONGO/B: U.S.-Congo Debt Reduction Agreement

UNCLAS KINSHASA 001141

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR AF/C, EB, AND AP/EPS
PARIS PLEASE PASS TO AFRICA WATCHER

FROM BRAZZAVILLE EMBASSY OFFICE

E.O.12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIN KTIA CF
SUBJECT: CONGO/B: U.S.-Congo Debt Reduction Agreement
signed July 8, 2005

Ref: STATE 124713


1. As per authorization in reftel, Ambassador signed
on July 8, 2005, the U.S.-Congo debt reduction
agreement with ROC Minister of Economy, Finances and
Budget, Pacific Issoibeka. The ceremony was covered by
national press and television.


2. During the ceremony, remarks were made by both the
Ambassador and the Minister. The Ambassador
congratulated the Congolese government for the efforts
that made the present agreement possible. She
underlined that in the past two years many positive
changes in the country's social and economic
environment have been witnessed and encouraged the
Congolese government to continue with its efforts.


3. The Minister, responding to the Ambassador's
remarks, expressed the gratitude of the Congolese
government for the continued and active support of the
U.S. He emphasized that the signing of this agreement
represents an important next step in working towards
the improvement of the economic situation in Congo. He
also congratulated and thanked the Ambassador for the
hard work she has done in Congo over the past two and
half years. At the end of the ceremony, the Ambassador
responded to a few questions from journalists.


4. The ceremony was also attended by Econ/Cons
Officer, the Resident Representatives of UNDP and the
World Bank, representatives of the President's Cabinet,
representatives of the Prime Minister Cabinet,
representatives of the Ministries of Small and Medium-
sized Enterprises, Commerce, Mining, Plan, and Foreign
Affairs, and members of the Cabinet of the Finance
Minister.


5. Two signed originals in French and English are
being pouched to the Department under registry number
1802859


6. Brazzaville Embassy Office - Sanders.
Meece