US embassy cable - 05KINSHASA1141

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