On Wednesday, 4 February 2026, Félix Tshisekedi held a substantive discussion in Washington, D.C. with Doug Burgum, underscoring the expanding strategic partnership between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United States and reinforcing cooperation on economic and resource development issues.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of high‑level discussions in Washington, where the United States hosted a major Critical Minerals Ministerial attended by delegations from more than 50 nations. Capping a busy diplomatic agenda, the bilateral exchange with Secretary Burgum highlighted shared priorities in strengthening economic ties and responsible resource partnerships.
At the centre of the talks were discussions around critical minerals, a sector of strategic importance to both countries. The DRC possesses vast reserves of key resources such as copper, cobalt and tantalum — minerals that are foundational to advanced technologies, electric vehicles and global supply chains. The United States has been actively working to diversify its access to such critical inputs, reduce supply chain vulnerabilities and encourage transparent and sustainable sourcing practices.
The exchange with Secretary Burgum is part of broader U.S.–DRC engagement aimed at fostering economic growth and mutual development. The two leaders emphasized the importance of mutually beneficial investment frameworksthat can enhance industrial capacity, attract American business participation in Congolese mining and infrastructure projects, and support socioeconomic development in the DRC.
For Kinshasa, these discussions are a continuation of its efforts to leverage strategic partnerships to promote national prosperity, strengthen governance in the mining sector, and build sustainable development pathways. The meeting with Burgum reflects a shared commitment to advancing cooperation that extends beyond resource extraction to encompass investment, stability and structural economic transformation.
This engagement came during a week of intensified U.S.–DRC talks in Washington that also included interactions with other senior U.S. officials and highlighted the deepening diplomatic and commercial relationship between the two countries.
Source: La présidence DRC.
