Rwandan President Paul Kagame has called for the enhancement of relations between his country and Israel, during his two-day state visit to the Jewish state.
Kagame’s visit comes barely a year after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Rwanda as part of a four-nation Africa trade and security tour aimed at boosting ties, and in June this year, the two met in West Africa in a leaders summit held in Liberia.
“Ever since the prime minister’s visit to West Africa last year, Israel has continued to follow through on its commitments and objective of scaling up engagement across Africa,” Kagame said.
“This is a very positive trend which can only be welcomed and merits our support,” he added as he met Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and Prime Minister Netanyahu at Rivlin’s Jerusalem residence.
Kagame said that cooperation between Israel and African nations “has blossomed in many areas,” including in technology, agriculture, energy and security.
“We are looking forward to reinforcing our cooperation with Israel on common challenges and issues of mutual interest,” he added.
On Monday Netanyahu said the Jewish and Rwandan people share a “great bond”.
President Rivlin said Israel and Rwanda “are two nations who understand the horror of genocide” and who are “working together to solve some of the biggest issues facing humanity: water and food security”.
Kagame was acoompanied to Israel by the Rwandese First Lady Jeannette Kagame.
