The United States is negotiating critical minerals agreements with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine, aiming to secure resource access while supporting respective governments amidst regional challenges. The DRC seeks U.S. assistance against rebel forces, while Ukraine considers minerals provision amid security concerns stemming from past tensions with the Trump administration.
Negotiations between the United States and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are underway to establish an agreement on access to critical minerals. The DRC is rich in copper, cobalt, and uranium, prompting President Felix Tshisekedi’s government to propose a deal that would provide minerals in exchange for support amidst domestic turmoil from rebel forces backed by Rwanda. While the discussions have intensified recently, they remain in preliminary stages with various challenges yet to be addressed.
A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department indicated interest in partnering with the DRC to bolster both nations’ economies by tapping into essential resources for advanced technologies. The partnership aims to diminish China’s influence in the DRC, where Chinese companies dominate significant mining operations. The U.S. seeks to bolster its resource access on a global scale.
The United States also aims to finalize a minerals agreement with Ukraine, first introduced by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in February. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky initially resisted signing the agreement, citing concerns over safeguarding Ukraine’s interests, particularly regarding investments, profits, and security guarantees. After past tensions with the Trump administration, Zelensky expressed readiness to negotiate, indicating willingness to finalize a mineral agreement that would enhance Ukraine’s security safeguards.
In conclusion, the United States is actively seeking to solidify agreements with both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine to secure access to critical minerals. These negotiations aim to bolster economic ties and counter foreign influences, particularly from China in the DRC and to enhance Ukraine’s security framework. Both initiatives underline the U.S.’s strategy of acquiring essential resources while also supporting international relations with key nations.
Original Source: babel.ua
