Rwanda to Host Leaders of Mozambique, China and India

From Thursday 19th, H.E. President Paul Kagame hosts the leaders of Mozambique, China and India for successive State Visits between 19-24 July 2018.

H.E. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique,  arrives in Rwanda yesterday 19 July, for a three-day State Visit. H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, will be in Rwanda from 22-23 July. This marks the first visit by a Chinese leader to Rwanda.

H.E. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, will visit from 23-24 July. This is also the first visit to Rwanda by an Indian Prime Minister.

These important events will serve to celebrate and deepen the close ties that exist between Rwanda and these three friendly nations. Each leader will also be accompanied by a significant private sector delegation.

Expanding trade and investment will therefore be a particular focus, notably in the areas of infrastructure, mining, agriculture, and information technology.

President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique today arrived in Rwanda for a three-day State Visit. Upon arrival at the Kigali International Airport, the Mozambican President was received by President Kagame accompanied by other senior government officials.

President Nyusi kicked off his visit by a tour of the Kigali Special Economic Zone. Later in the evening, the Mozambican President attended a State Banquet hosted in his honour by President Kagame.

Speaking at the State Banquet, President Kagame highlighted that Rwanda and Mozambique have a similar liberation trajectory, as well as a common vision for African integration.

“Our countries have earned the freedom to chart our own course. It came at a heavy price as we know, as well. Our responsibility has been to continue the struggle for the prosperity, security, and dignity of our citizens. We are counting on the next generation to sustain these gains and expand upon them,” President Kagame said.

The President further revealed that Rwanda is planning to open an embassy in Maputo to help carry on the work of strengthening the two countries’ cooperation.

On the second day of his visit, President Filipe Nyusi will pay his respect to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, visit Telecom House, tour the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza District, and hold bilateral talks with his host President Kagame before the two leaders address a joint press conference.

President Nyusi will also tour La Corniche One Stop Border Post in Rubavu District.

President Nyusi’s visit follows President Kagame’s visit to Mozambique in 2016. The two countries enjoy commendable bilateral relations with cooperation agreements in areas pertaining to agriculture and air transport. Rwanda’s national carrier, RwandAir, is scheduled to start flights to Mozambique in the nearest future.

Discussions will also touch upon continental matters in the context of the African Union, which President Kagame currently chairs. China and India are among Africa’s most important and fast-growing economic partners.