Belgium has declared its "full support" for Qatar's mediation efforts between representatives of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and the Rwanda-backed March 23 Movement (M23) in ongoing peace talks in Doha.

Key Developments:

1. Belgian Foreign Minister's Statement:

   • Minister Hadja Lahbib welcomed the announced agreement between DRC and M23 "to work toward a truce and ceasefire as a prelude to dialogue aimed at restoring lasting peace in eastern DRC"

   • Described the agreement as "a decisive step toward ending violence" in Congo

   • Announced plans to visit the region starting next Friday

2. Qatar's Mediation Role:

   • The Gulf state recently facilitated a meeting between Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame after stalled African mediation efforts

   • Both leaders called for a ceasefire and dispatched delegations to Doha to discuss a potential peace agreement

3. Context:

   • Talks occur amid persistent conflict in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels have been active since 2012

   • Belgium's engagement reflects growing international involvement in resolving the crisis

Quotes of Note:

• "Our full support for these Qatari-facilitated efforts to reach an agreement" - Belgian FM Lahbib

• The ministers emphasized this mediation as critical for "lasting peace" in the mineral-rich but conflict-torn region