Kathmandu— The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, following a visit by President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi. This decision revives a pledge made in September 2023 and comes as several governments signal plans to deepen diplomatic ties with Israel.

Background of the Decision

The plan dates back to September 2023 when President Tshisekedi met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In 2020, Tshisekedi had announced plans to appoint an ambassador to Israel and establish an economic section of the embassy in Jerusalem while keeping the main embassy in Tel Aviv. The relationship between DRC and Israel has since expanded with Israeli President Isaac Herzog visiting Kinshasa in November.

International Context

The move by DR Congo follows similar announcements from other countries, including Colombia’s new hard-right president Abelardo de la Espriella. The United States moved its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018 during President Donald Trump's first term, and several other nations like Fiji, Guatemala, Honduras, Papua New Guinea, and Paraguay have followed suit. Kosovo and Somaliland maintain missions they consider embassies in the city.

International Reactions

Most countries that have diplomatic relations with Israel keep their embassies in Tel Aviv, maintaining that Jerusalem’s final status should be determined through negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. The UN Security Council has rejected measures seeking to alter the status of Jerusalem and has called on countries not to establish diplomatic missions there.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.