We welcome that “Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region” was signed on 24 February 2013 in Addis Ababa by the DRC and ten regional states, together with the accession of the United Nations and the leading African organizations to this Agreement as guarantor parties.

We believe that the said Agreement constitutes a significant step in the context of the advancement of the DRC and of the Great Lakes Region towards a more prosperous future within peace and stability.

It is of great importance that all parties will give the necessary support for the implementation of the Agreement in a way which will be appropriate to its spirit, and that this opportunity will not be missed.

Turkey will continue to support its partners in the Continent of Africa and also the efforts of the international community for ensuring peace and stability in the DRC and in the Great Lakes Region.