Following the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, President Paul Kagame engaged in a series of high-level diplomatic meetings with several African leaders and dignitaries, reinforcing Rwanda’s commitment to regional cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations across the continent.
President Kagame received President William Ruto of Kenya shortly after the ceremony. The two heads of state discussed their shared commitment to enhancing regional cooperation and deepening collaboration between Rwanda and Kenya, signaling a renewed focus on mutual development goals.
In a separate meeting, President Kagame welcomed Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Their discussions centered on advancing the African Union’s agenda, with a particular focus on strengthening unity and development across the continent.
The President also held discussions with Badr Abdelaaty, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, who was delegated by President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to attend the inauguration. The meeting coincided with the launch of the Heart Center, a new healthcare initiative spearheaded by Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub.
The center will benefit from an agreement between Rwanda and Egypt to supply medical equipment and devices for the treatment of heart disease.
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was also among the leaders who met with President Kagame. The two discussed ways to bolster bilateral relations between Rwanda and Somalia, reflecting a commitment to enhancing cooperation between the two nations.
President Kagame further met with President Mamadi Doumbouya of Guinea, where they reaffirmed their countries’ ties and explored opportunities for further collaboration.
The day’s diplomatic engagements continued with President Kagame hosting President Denis Sassou N’Guesso of Congo. The two leaders reviewed the strong existing relations between Rwanda and the Republic of Congo, discussing avenues to expand their partnership.
On the eve of the inauguration, President Kagame received Abdoulaye Diop, Mali’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, who attended on behalf of President Colonel Assimi Goïta. The discussions focused on Mali’s ongoing challenges and the importance of regional solidarity.
President Kagame also held talks with Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan, who was in Kigali for the inauguration.
Their discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining stability and peace in the region.
The diplomatic marathon continued with a meeting between President Kagame and Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema. The conversation focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and Gabon.
Further discussions took place with Angola’s President João Lourenço, where President Kagame expressed his gratitude for Angola’s efforts in promoting peace and security in the region.
The series of meetings concluded with President Kagame hosting Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé at Urugwiro Village.
The two leaders reviewed their bilateral relations and discussed future collaboration between Rwanda and Togo.
These diplomatic engagements underscore President Kagame’s active role in fostering strong relations across Africa, emphasizing the importance of unity, cooperation, and mutual development in the pursuit of a prosperous continent.
