Luanda — The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Thursday in Luanda expressed its gratitude to Angola and its leader, José Eduardo dos Santos, for their effort towards peace in the neighbouring country's northern region.

This is contained in a message from the DRC president, Joseph Kabila, to his Angolan counterpart, José Eduardo dos Santos.

The information was released to the press by president Kabila's envoy, Antoine Ngonda, after an audience granted to him by the head of State.

The Congolese diplomat on the occasion said Angola played a relevant role for the stabilisation of his country, adding that the situation is evolving satisfactorily.

He mentioned as one of the moves that contributed to the pacification of the region, a tour of DRC nieghbouring countries by Angolan secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Manuel Augusto.

However, the DRC president's envoy would not comment on how his country is preparing to welcome the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) troops, saying it is a sensitive matter.

The DRC is going through a situation of instability in the Kivu Norte region, following an armed rebellion by the so-called "M23" movement, supposedly with support from neighbouring countries.

On the other hand, Antoine Ngonda welcomed the international conference on the Lobito corridor next week in Benguela, central Angola, for its importance to the development of southern Africa.

According to him, Angola, through its Lobito Corridor, will boost the regional development.