On Thursday, February 27, 2025 in Brazzaville, the Congolese Minister of Finance, Budget and Public Portfolio, Christian Yoka, received in audience the Ambassador of France to Congo, Her Excellency Mrs. Claire Bodonyi.

Approached by the press upon her departure, the French diplomat indicated that many topics were discussed, including France's support in the negotiations of the Congo Agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF); economic diplomacy; the end of the Debt Reduction and Development Contract (C2D); and France's financial support for Congo's efforts to preserve the Congo Basin forests.

Regarding the Congo/IMF Agreement, concluded in January 2022 for 3 years, under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), and whose conclusions of the sixth review are expected in 2025, Ms. Claire Bodonyi reiterated France's assistance until the expected success.

Regarding economic diplomacy, the French diplomat explained that "it involves economic exchanges, exchanges of expertise and exchanges of diaspora companies, which work in relation with Congo, and which generate a turnover shared between Congo and France".

Regarding the Debt Reduction and Development Contract (C2D), signed between the two countries since 2010, the Ambassador specified that this Contract is coming to an end, and that there is reason to think about a new chapter. In the meantime, she recalled some projects already completed and in progress under this Contract, such as the construction of the Corniche-sud of Brazzaville, in its Case de Gaulle-Pont du Djoué section, and the sanitation of the Makélékélé and Tsiémé rivers, in Brazzaville.

As for France's financial support for Congo's efforts to preserve the forests of the Congo Basin, Minister Yoka's host indicated that this support amounts to more than 20 million Euros. She specified that Congo plans to develop 30% of protected areas on its soil by 2030.

The Communication Unit of the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Public Portfolio