Video/Pic: Trump brokers 'historic' peace deal between Congo, Rwanda

President Donald Trump hosted the leaders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda on Thursday for the signing of a “historic agreement” to end a conflict between the two nations that has lasted for over 30 years.

The National News Desk reported that Thursday’s ceremony, which featured the signing of the “Washington Accords” peace deal between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, took place at the U.S. Institute of Peace, which has been renamed the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace.

Announcing the signing of the “Washington Accords,” the president said, “In this holy season, we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. We have come to the U.S. Institute of Peace to sign a historic agreement that will end one of the longest-running conflicts anywhere in the world with far more than 10 million people killed.”

“Today, we commit to stopping decades of violence and bloodshed and to begin a new era of harmony and cooperation between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda,” Trump added.

According to Fox News, Trump explained that the “Washington Accords” peace deal, which was brokered by his administration, builds upon the agreement the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda signed in June and includes a permanent ceasefire, justice and accountability for individuals who committed atrocities during the conflict, the disarmament of non-government forces, and provisions that will allow refugees to return to their homes.

Fox News reported that Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi both thanked Trump for helping the two nations reach a peaceful resolution after decades of conflict.

“No one was asking President Trump to take up this task. Our region is far from the headlines,” Kagame stated. “But when the president saw the opportunity to contribute to peace, he immediately took it.”

“We have seen countless magicians and efforts, but none has succeeded in resolving the underlying issues,” the Rwandan president added. “President Trump introduced a new and effective dynamism that created the space for breakthroughs.”

Tshisekedi described Thursday as the “beginning of a new path” and a “turning point” for the two countries.

In addition to the historic peace agreement, Trump announced on Thursday that the United States would be purchasing rare earth materials from both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.

“Today, the United States is also signing our own bilateral agreements with the Congo and Rwanda that will unlock new opportunities for the United States to access critical minerals and provide economic benefits for everybody,” Trump stated.

A picture of Trump, Kagame, and Tshisekedi was shared by the White House on social media.