Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have reached agreement on a US-backed regional economic framework aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and supporting peace efforts, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Rwanda’s government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo said negotiators from both countries had concluded the framework after weeks of delay, and that senior officials will meet later for a formal signing ceremony. The agreement is viewed by Washington as a key step in sustaining the peace deal reached earlier this year between the two neighbours.

The framework includes provisions for shared mineral revenues, transport infrastructure, and a 760 million US dollar hydroelectric power project. The talks had been stalled amid Congo’s frustration over what it described as Rwanda’s limited progress in implementing the broader peace accord.

Tensions between the two nations have persisted as the United Nations reported in September that M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, were expanding their control in eastern Congo. Rwanda has denied supporting the group and in turn accuses Congo of aiding militias linked to the 1994 genocide.