Trump hosts officials of Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda to sign ‘historic peace agreement’ in Oval Office

"We're here today to celebrate a glorious triumph, and that's what it is, for the cause of peace, and this is a long time waiting, the signing of a historic peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda," Trump said. "The conflict has continued, and it's been going on for many, many years."

"It's displaced countless people and claimed the lives of thousands and thousands, but today, the violence and destruction comes to an end, and the entire region begins a new chapter of hope and opportunity, harmony, prosperity, and peace. Has been a long time waiting," he continued, noting that a friend of his involved in the region said the conflict has been going on for 30 years and has resulted in the deaths of at least 6 million people.

"And somebody said that was actually, it's the biggest war on the planet since World War Two. So it's a shame, but we're going to bring it to an end. I want to express my gratitude and congratulations to the representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda who signed this pivotal agreement a short time ago."

He called the deal a "tremendous breakthrough," and noted other peace deals reached between India and Pakistan, Serbia, and most recently Israel and Iran.

"My administration will continue to work closely with all of the parties in this deal and ensure the agreements are fully taken care of. And you're going to do what's in the agreement, we'll say you better do what's in that agreement, right? Because if somebody fails to do that, bad things happen. But I have a feeling that after 30 years, I think after 30 years, you've all said, I think both of you have said, that's enough, right?"

DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner said, "thank you and congratulations indeed for this remarkable milestone, which is putting an end to 30 years of conflict and of suffering, and which is redefining the perspectives that millions of Congolese and citizens of the greater Great Lakes region will have."

She said that the US needs to "make sure that this agreement holds and that you hold us accountable," and that "if you stay on board, I think there are so many perspectives that we can transform our partnerships to and that can usher in an era of prosperity, of growth and of shared bilateral relationships that go well beyond the challenges that we share together, and that can at least, or finally, focus on the potential and of the wealth that we can share."

Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe celebrated the "historic deal," adding that other attempts at mediation have failed in the past, but "we believe that it's because of your leadership and your steadfast, steadfast commitment to this process with also a new approach of economic integration, regional economic integration" that "we will achieve long time peace."