The late 1980s were marked by a progressive warming of Congolese relations with Western countries, including the United States.

Transition Prime Minister Andre Milongo made an official visit to Washington in 1992, where President Bush received him at the White House.

Then-presidential candidate Pascal Lissouba travelled to Washington in 1992, meeting with officials, including Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Herman J. Cohen.

After his election in August 1992, President Lissouba expressed interest in expanding U.S.–Congo links, seeking increased U.S. development aid, university exchanges, and greater U.S. investment in Congo.

Diplomatic activities, operations, and programs were carried out in a temporary bank location until January 2009, when a new, fully functioning embassy was opened.