The Honorary Consul of the Republic of Congo in St. Petersbur, Jocelin Patrick Mandzela, disclosed to Russian media that both Russia and the Republic of Congo aim to collaborate on the construction of an oil refinery, as reported by Sputnik.
“Our country has great potential in the gas sector, in hydroelectric power generation, in wind and solar energy, as Congo’s Minister of Hydrocarbons, Bruno Jean-Richard Itua, recently stated. An oil refinery with Russian participation is also expected to be built in Congo,” Jocelin Patrick stated.
“An agreement has already been signed on the construction of a pipeline to transport oil products. The construction of the refinery could be the next step,” the diplomat added.
Jocelin revealed that the Republic of Congo is also welcomed to the idea of a Russian partnership in other sectors such as agriculture and tourism.
This sentiment had been highlighted by Congo’s Minister of Hydrocarbons Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, during the Russian Energy Week in Moscow.
“Russia, we have very long-term cooperation… Now we want to really increase, to strengthen, and reinforce economic cooperation. And the first area we want to do is the energy sector,” he had stated.
This readiness to work with Russia is the same ideal highlighted by Jocelin Patrick, who stated; “Not long ago there was an intergovernmental commission, during which Congo and Russia signed a number of agreements.
There were private meetings with major Russian companies. I cannot disclose the details yet, but I am sure that we will soon see the results.”
Congo’s recent deals with Russia
Back in July, 2024 both Russia’s Rosatom signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate in hydropower and peaceful nuclear energy with Congo.
Bruno Jean-Richard has since noted that the project is coming along fine.
In September, Russia tentatively agreed to build an oil pipeline in the Republic of Congo, linking the western port of Pointe-Noire to the capital, Brazzaville.
The Congolese government noted that a joint venture will be established for the pipeline’s construction, with Russia holding a 90% stake in the entity.
Russia agreed to provide funds, equipment, and manpower for the pipeline’s construction, as well as fuel to fill it if necessary. In return, the Republic of Congo committed to providing different tax breaks.
In addition, Russia recently promised to provide its mobile laboratories to Ethiopia and the Republic of the Congo.
