By Nnadozie Mba, Heartmenders Magazine Contributor, Africa
CONGO, Brazzaville (HEARTMENDERS MAGAZINE) – France colonized the Republic of Congo, but it later rationalized cooperation with other foreign nations, especially Belgium. Recall that their neighboring sister nation, the Democratic Republic of Congo, known as Congo-Kinshasa (DRC), was colonized by Belgium and had a very turbulent relationship with Belgium, while the Republic of Congo (RC), also known as Congo-Brazzaville, was colonized by France. Both countries share the Congo River basin, from which they derive their name. Apart from the Vatican, these two countries may have the world’s closest capital cities; from Brazzaville, one can see and point to Kinshasa. Congo-Brazzaville maintained a non-alignment policy, opening itself to cooperation with different nations regardless of ideological differences with its neighbors or other allies.
BACONGO, CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE (HEARTMENDERS MAGAZINE) – 2020, Congo-Brazzaville-Belgium cultural exchange event in Bacongo. A Heartmenders Magazine photo. All rights reserved.
This extraordinary cooperation between Congo-Brazzaville and Belgium gave rise to a Congo-Belgium cultural exchange, alongside cultural exchange programs with many other European countries. A cultural event that impressed citizens of both countries, bubbling with enthusiasm and happiness, and brought them together in their Capitals to showcase their cultures.
BACONGO, CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE (HEARTMENDERS MAGAZINE) – 2020, Congo-Brazzaville-Belgium cultural exchange event in Bacongo. A Heartmenders Magazine photo. All rights reserved.
Congo-Brazzaville can leverage this cooperation with Belgium to deepen collaboration in educational exchanges, technical training and technology transfer, AI-driven precision agriculture, international supply-chain networking, and partnerships that boost local workforce performance. Boat rides, gorilla trekking, and promoting Congo arts and music should strengthen tourism and triple earnings by leveraging every opportunity for foreign cooperation.
Congo-Brazzaville welcomes cultural exchange programs with countries worldwide. Congo is beautiful, and the people are warm and welcoming.
BACONGO, CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE (HEARTMENDERS MAGAZINE) – 2020, Congo-Brazzaville-Belgium cultural exchange event in Bacongo. A Heartmenders Magazine photo. All rights reserved.
Editor’s Note: This post has been updated and republished from its original format, published in Heartmenders Magazine several years ago.
Mba Nnadozie resides in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. Contact him via his email at uchesilver90@gmail.com.