The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has said it is open to a deal with the United States, under which Kinshasa would exchange its valuable rare-earth minerals for defense and security assistance aimed at resolving an armed conflict that has resulted in thousands of casualties in the country's volatile eastern region. Clashes between M23 rebels and Congolese forces have been going on in eastern DRC since late 2021. Thousands of people have been killed and more than 3 million others have been displaced from their homes. DRC President Felix Tshisekedi recently proposed selling mineral rights to the United States in exchange for military support, seeking to secure military training, equipment and possibly direct U.S. military involvement to support the DRC army's fight against the M23 rebels. The rebels are reported to be backed by Rwanda, a charge Kigali has denied. Earlier this month, the United States expressed interest in the deal, saying it would grant American firms access to minerals for its energy and defense technologies. Some analysts in the DRC are optimistic that the talks will result in a win-win partnership that will not jeopardize the economic interests of Kinshasa's other major trading partners. The DRC is rich in cobalt, coltan, lithium, uranium and other minerals used for advanced technologies. Many of its citizens hope a deal with the U.S. will benefit them. Officials from the DRC presidency said a Congolese delegation is expected to travel to Washington D.C. next month to discuss the deal further. Shotlist: Democratic Republic of Congo - Recent: 1. Various of displaced residents; 2. Various of President Felix Tshisekedi meeting officials in Kinshasa; 3. Various of DRC government officials discussing security issues; 4. Machine, workers; 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Lino Nshimba, President, U.S. Chamber of Commerce in DRC: "I don't foresee any clash. I just see some sort of complementarity. The U.S. can come in places where they are needed, where the government believes they can strike a good deal - a deal that will benefit the people that will benefit the security of the country."; 6. Aerial shot of mine site; 7. Minerals being extracted from mining site; 8. SOUNDBITE (Lingala, dubbed in English) George Yav, money changer: "If they are going to come and exploit our minerals and share a percentage of the profits with us and help us restore peace, then that is a good idea, that I will support."; 9. Various of officials talking. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]