Reinstatement of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to AGOA
![Democratic Republic Of The Congo [shutterstock]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210105000300im_/https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Democratic-Republic-of-the-Congo-e1555939980225-2500x1406.jpg)
Ambassador Michael A. Hammer
International Travel Information
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International Travel Information: Learn MoreHighlights
December 23, 2020
November 25, 2020
November 24, 2020
October 27, 2020
Kinshasa, DRC: The American School of Kinshasa: 2020-2021 Fact Sheet
U.S. Relationship
- U.S.-Democratic Republic of the Congo Relations
- U.S. Assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Bilateral Economic Relations
U.S.-Democratic Republic of the Congo Relations
The U.S. established diplomatic relations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R.C.) in 1960, following its independence from Belgium. U.S. foreign policy in the D.R.C. is focused on helping the country become a nation that is stable and democratic, at peace with its neighbors, extends state authority across its territory, and provides for the basic needs of its citizens.
U.S. Assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo
U.S. foreign assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R.C.) supports the country’s long-term transition to more effective and empowering development. To achieve this goal, USAID invests substantially in three objectives: that selected national-level institutions more effectively implement their mandates; that lives are improved through coordinated development approaches in select regions; and that the foundation for durable peace is strengthened in eastern D.R.C.
Bilateral Economic Relations
The top U.S. import from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R.C.) is copper, accounting for close to 70% of all U.S. imports. The two countries have signed a bilateral investment treaty. The U.S. also has signed a trade and investment framework agreement with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, of which the D.R.C. is a member. The D.R.C. promotes entrepreneurship with women business owners by participating in exchange programs through the United States International Visitor Leadership Program.
![DRC Flag: sky blue field divided diagonally from the lower hoist corner to upper fly corner by a red stripe bordered by two narrow yellow stripes; a yellow, five-pointed star appears in the upper hoist corner; blue represents peace and hope, red the blood of the country's martyrs, and yellow the country's wealth and prosperity; the star symbolizes unity and the brilliant future for the country [CIA World Fact Book]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210105000300im_/https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/drc-flag.gif){kind=small}