The agreement was signed in Washington, D.C., where delegations from both countries had been holding talks. Representatives from Togo, the African Union, the United States, and Qatar also attended the discussions.

According to the U.S. Department of State, the signing ceremony for the economic cooperation framework was overseen by Assistant Secretary for Political Affairs Alison Hooker and Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to President Donald Trump on African Affairs.

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The agreement covers areas such as mining cooperation, construction of the Rusizi III hydroelectric dam, trade facilitation, development of cross-border infrastructure, health sector improvement, and wildlife conservation.

Washington stated that once the agreement is fully implemented, it will help Rwanda and the DRC achieve economic growth, create investment opportunities, deliver tangible benefits to citizens of both countries, and foster lasting peace in the region.

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The U.S. added that the success of the economic partnership will depend on implementing security measures, including dismantling the FDLR terrorist group and its affiliates, and removing existing defense restrictions.

On security matters, participants in the Washington talks acknowledged that progress had been slow and agreed to intensify efforts in line with the provisions of the Washington Peace Agreement.

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Rwanda, the DRC, and mediating partners also agreed that political hostilities or provocative rhetoric between the two nations could undermine the implementation of the Washington Agreement, urging both sides to avoid such actions.

The signing of the economic cooperation pact had initially been scheduled for October 3, 2025, but was postponed after the DRC president declined to proceed, insisting that security-related provisions had to be fulfilled first.