By: Energy capital & power

The Republic of Congo and Russia have committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the digital economy and improving mutual investment security while reinforcing diplomatic ties.

In a meeting between Denis Christel Sassou Nguesso, Congo’s Minister of International Cooperation and Public-Private Partnership Promotion, and Ilias Iskandarov, Russia’s Ambassador to Condo, the parties discussed strengthening their economic partnership, with the imminent signing of a bilateral investment protection agreement set to secure financial commitments between the two countries.

The Minister and Ambassador also discussed the progress of the Brazzaville and Pointe Noire oil pipeline project, being undertaken by Russian pipe metallurgical company TMK, and its impact on Congo’s oil industry and trade with regional markets.

Meanwhile, Léon Juste Ibombo, Congo’s Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy Léon Juste Ibombo met with Ambassador Iskandarov to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in the digital economy.

During the meeting, Ambassador Iskandarov confirmed the establishment of a Russian-African Studies Center, which will include IT training for Congolese citizens. The Ambassador added that, with strengthened bilateral cooperation, training will be expanded to digital regulation, data protection and AI applications.

With aims to strengthen local digital skills, improve IT infrastructure and facilitate access to advanced technologies, the parties agreed to develop MoUs to validate major projects in Congo’s digital economy.