The Belgian Royal couple were carried shoulder-high by chanting porters through Kisangani on Thursday (25 June) when they arrived on the last lap of their 10-day tour of Cong-Kinshasa. King Baudouin and Queen Fabiola had arrived from Goma, in the far east of the country, after spending two nights in the Albert National Park.

The 39-year-old Belgian Monarch shook hands with the porters who had carried him a mile (1.6 kms) from the airport where he was welcomed by President Mobutu to the Governor's residence.

The tour, which had begun with visits to industrial centres, has taken on an increasingly colourful character.

Everything the King has been greeted by tribal dancers -- some wore monkey-fur headdresses, others were bare-breasted girls.

The Royal couple were also presented with fish caught by local fishermen of the Wagenias tribe and other gifts.

SYNOPSIS: In Congo-Kinshasa the Belgian Royal couple were on the last lap of their 10-day tour on Thursday. King Baudouin and Queen Fabiola were welcomed by a cheering crowd at Kisangani.

President Mobutu was on hand to personally greet the royal couple and escort them as they reviewed an honour guard.

Then the trio were carried shoulder high by chanting porters through the streets of Kisangani to the Governor's residence. At the end of the ride the King shook hands with the porters.

Everything the King and Queen have been greeted by tribal dancers -- some wearing monkey-fur headdresses, others were bare-breasted girls. One of the highlights of their trip to Kisangani was a visit to see a newly born elephant.

Later the 39 year old monarch and his wife visited a group of fishermen and were presented with part of the catch. The couple had arrived from Goma, in the far eastern part of the country, after spending two nights in the Albert National Park. Their visit which ends July 1 is to mark the 10th anniversary celebrations of Kinshasa's independence from Belgium. Before leaving for home King Baudouin and President Mobutu will sign a new treaty pledging mutual co-operation.