U.S. Pursues Mineral Agreements with Congo and Ukraine Amid Global Competition
The U.S. is in preliminary talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo for a mineral agreement while seeking a similar deal with Ukraine. The DRC, rich in resources, has proposed a deal for support amid internal unrest. Ukraine remains hesitant to finalize its agreement due to security concerns, indicating a careful approach to international partnerships.
The United States is currently engaged in preliminary discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to establish an agreement for access to essential minerals. Concurrently, the U.S. seeks to finalize a similar arrangement with Ukraine. The DRC is rich in resources such as copper, cobalt, and uranium, and recently proposed a deal to the U.S. which involves providing mineral access in exchange for support for President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration.
Amid ongoing turmoil, including the seizure of mineral-rich areas by Rwanda-backed rebels in key cities like Goma and Bukavu, local officials are focused on bolstering support for Tshisekedi. While talks have intensified recently, significant challenges remain, placing the negotiations at their infancy. The U.S. State Department confirmed, “The DR Congo is home to a significant portion of the world’s reserves of critical minerals needed for advanced technologies.”
The spokesperson emphasized the potential benefits of a partnership with American companies, which could enhance the economies of both nations. Although specific terms of the deal are still under discussion, this initiative highlights the U.S. interest in global resource access. This increased U.S. presence in the DRC is expected to diminish Chinese influence, as Chinese enterprises currently dominate major mining operations in the country.
In parallel, the U.S. has proposed a mineral agreement with Ukraine, initially presented by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on February 12. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed reservations, asserting that signing the agreement would not adequately safeguard Ukraine’s interests due to a lack of connections to investments, profits, and security assurances. Following a contentious encounter between Trump and Zelensky in late February, U.S. officials continued negotiations, prompting suggestions that Zelensky issue a public apology to Trump.
On March 4, Zelensky indicated that the discussion with Trump “did not go as planned” and that adjustments were necessary. He affirmed Ukraine’s readiness to finalize an agreement on mineral utilization “at any time and in any convenient format,” viewing it as a crucial step towards enhanced security and reliable guarantees.
In summary, the United States is actively pursuing mineral agreements with both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine. The DRC’s proposal emphasizes its rich mineral resources and the necessity of American support amid internal turmoil. Concurrently, Ukraine remains cautious regarding its own mineral agreement, balancing security interests against prospective benefits. Both negotiations signal the U.S. commitment to strengthen international partnerships and mitigate foreign influence, particularly from China.
Original Source: babel.ua
