Kigali, 22 November 2011
President Kagame has said that for African nations to achieve sustainable development, they need to adopt a collaborative approach. Speaking at a State Banquet in honor of President Denis Sassou N’Guesso of Congo Brazzaville, President Kagame noted that the current international economic crisis and other profound changes around the world and the increasingly inter-dependent world means that what happens in one part will invariably impact another.
“The African voice is stronger, and our interests are better articulated when countries and leaders with a shared worldview come together. Results of this kind of partnership are already evident in the bilateral relations and existing areas of cooperation we in Rwanda seek to reinforce with the Republic of Congo. Your presence here is testimony to this fact and I am convinced, will provide further impetus to the process. There can be no doubt that driven by current global realities, and inspired by the desire of our people to lead dignified lives, we can work together and succeed in building a better future for our nations and our continent”.
President Sassou N’guesso in his remarks commended increased cooperation within the sub region that is laying the foundation for stability and development;
“These are the instruments, which have enabled us today, along with our common will to turn the dark page of the history of the Great Lakes Region, to go through a peace era, which undoubtedly remains to be consolidated, but which is paving the way to better perspectives for our peoples and States.”
Before the State Banquet, the two Presidents held private talks and were briefed by the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Basile Ikouebe and Hon. Louise Mushikiwabo, on the recently held Joint Permanent Commission.