Kigali, 23 July 2018
Good evening.
Mr Prime Minister, I want to thank you for honouring the invitation to visit us, and I wish you and your delegation a pleasant and productive stay in Rwanda.
The Prime Minister and I have had productive discussions on bilateral issues, and other important regional and international matters.
This visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister represents a milestone in the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Rwanda and India.
Our two countries share similar ambitions for the prosperity and well-being of our citizens, and we appreciate India’s support to Rwanda’s development agenda.
The agreements signed today will serve to further focus collaboration on priority areas. We look forward to welcoming the new High Commissioner of India, the first with residence in Kigali. This will further strengthen our existing good bilateral relations.
On the global stage, Rwanda and India share a commitment to peace and security, as major troop contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
We are pleased that an Indian business delegation has accompanied the Prime Minister. Our respective private sectors will discuss the prospects for closer collaboration between Rwanda and India at tomorrow’s business summit.
The African Continental Free Trade Area, Mr Prime Minister, will provide even greater opportunities for investment and trade between Africa and India in the years ahead.
Finally, Prime Minister, on behalf of the people of Rwanda, I want to thank you for your generous gift to the Girinka Programme, which is a big part of our national development programme.
I look forward to accompanying you to Bugesera District tomorrow, as you deliver these gifts, and see some of the work that Rwandans are doing to develop themselves and our country.
Once again, Mr Prime Minister, a very warm welcome to Rwanda. I now invite you to make your remarks.
Thank you.