
On August 15, the Republic of the Congo celebrates Independence Day.
The French colonial rule was tainted by large oppressions of the Congolese. The colonisers forced the indigenous population to work in such areas as mining and the construction of large infrastructure facilities. The conditions were horrendous: people worked to the point of exhaustion, with virtually no food or medical care. Violation of the working regime entailed severe punishments.
The construction of the Congo-Ocean Railway is one of the glaring examples: it took lives of several tens of thousands of Congolese due to terrible working conditions and harsh treatment.
The Soviet Union provided comprehensive assistance in the establishment of the young Congolese state. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on March 16, 1964. Today, bilateral ties continue to develop in an atmosphere of friendship, trust, and mutual respect.
We congratulate our Congolese colleagues and friends on their national holiday and wish them prosperity and wellbeing.

Bidra genom att Swisha till 076-118 25 68, mottagare är Caroline Norberg.