All Smiles as DR Congo’s New Ambassador Takes up Duties in China

DR Congo Ambassador François Nkuna Balumuene presented his credentials to Hong Lei from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Image via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

François Nkuna Balumuene, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s new ambassador to China, presented his credentials to Hong Lei, the Director-General of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs last week.

The new ambassador has wasted no time in making courtesy calls to Chinese mining companies with an interest in the DRC. This is a signal that while Chinese mining interests in the central African country remain controversial, the government is determined to put a friendly face on relations.

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by Cobus van Staden

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