PARIS — Republic of the Congo President Denis Sassou N’Guesso is stepping up Brazzaville’s diplomatic engagement with France, with regional security emerging as an important part of recent high-level discussions.

Sassou N’Guesso met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris in September, with discussions reportedly touching on the security situation in the Great Lakes region and broader efforts to address growing regional tensions.

The engagement comes months after Sassou N’Guesso secured a fifth presidential term in the Republic of the Congo. His re-election was confirmed by the Constitutional Court in March, while he was sworn in for another term in April.

For Brazzaville, the latest diplomacy highlights the government’s effort to maintain an active role in Central African and wider continental affairs. The Congo’s position could become increasingly significant as regional governments seek diplomatic approaches to security challenges affecting the Great Lakes.

The Paris talks also give Sassou N’Guesso an opportunity to reinforce the Republic of the Congo’s international partnerships while presenting Brazzaville as a participant in efforts to promote regional stability and African diplomatic cooperation.