On March 16, 2023, at 11:25, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, of the Francophonie and Congolese abroad of the Republic of Congo, H.E. Jean-Claude Gakosso, arrived in Vienna, the capital of the Republic of Austria, for an official visit. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation composed of senior officials from his ministry and other relevant sectors.
The delegation included:
Victorien Obouangongo – Diplomatic and Political Advisor. He was appointed to this position in 2019, after serving as an adviser to the Permanent Delegation of Congo to UNESCO in Paris. He graduated in international relations and public law from the University of Brazzaville and has completed additional training in diplomacy and conflict management. He has more than 10 years of experience in the field of multilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of education, culture, science, and communication. He participated in several international negotiations and conferences on issues of common interest to Congo and its partners. He is also responsible for monitoring bilateral relations between the Congo and certain countries in Africa, Europe, and Latin America.
Ibara Ngoualea – Technical Advisor. He has extensive experience in diplomacy, international relations, and regional integration. He has been involved in several negotiations and initiatives to promote peace, security, and cooperation in Africa and beyond. He is also a lecturer and researcher at the Marien Ngouabi University in Brazzaville, where he teaches courses on African politics, international law, and global governance.
Jean-Paul Ganongo – Press Attaché. He accompanies the Minister on his official trips and liaises with accredited journalists. He also writes press releases, speeches, and reports on Congo’s foreign relations.
Benjamin Monkassa – Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of the Republic of Congo in Berlin. He represents the interests of the Congo in Germany and ensures the coordination of bilateral relations between the two countries. He is also responsible for promoting Congolese culture, trade, and cooperation in Germany. He was appointed to this position in 2021, after having held several diplomatic positions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Congo.
Litschauer Martin – Honorary Consul of the Republic of the Congo in Vienna. It represents the interests of Congolese citizens and promotes bilateral relations between Austria and Congo. He also offers consular services such as visas, passports, and notarizations. He has been in office since 2016 and reports to the Embassy of the Congo in Berlin.
The purpose of the visit was to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as to discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest. The visit also coincided with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Congo and the Republic of Austria, which dates back to March 18, 1963.
