President Paul Kagame, accompanied by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, joined global leaders at the Elysée Palace for a reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron, marking the commencement of the 2024 Olympics.
This gathering highlighted the global unity and camaraderie that the Olympics represent, bringing together dignitaries from around the world.
Following this event, President Kagame and the First Lady attended the Olympic Opening Ceremony, where Rwanda is represented in disciplines such as cycling, athletics, swimming, and fencing.
The participation of Rwandan athletes reflects the country’s increasing engagement in international sports and commitment to fostering talent.
Earlier, President Kagame met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at FIFA’s new Paris offices. The two leaders discussed continuing and expanding cooperation between Rwanda and FIFA, focusing on enhancing football development within the country.
This meeting emphasizes the solid relationship between Rwanda and FIFA, with plans for future collaborations aimed at advancing the sport.
Additionally, President Kagame participated in the Sports for Sustainable Development Summit, hosted by President Macron and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach at the Carrousel du Louvre.
During the summit, Macron praised Kagame for his role in promoting sports and building modern infrastructure in Rwanda, which has enabled the country to host significant international tournaments.
Macron highlighted Kagame’s proactive leadership and results-driven approach, noting the visible progress in Rwanda’s infrastructure, healthcare, education, and tourism sectors under his leadership.
Macron also stressed the importance of international cooperation in supporting infrastructure development in Africa, urging global financiers to partner with developing nations.
He cited Rwanda’s successful hosting of international sports events and the planned games in 2026 as examples of the positive impact of such investments.
Macron emphasized the need for continued athlete training and infrastructure development to support major events, aligning with the broader goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The summit underscored the role of sports in achieving the SDGs and called for a unified global effort to develop infrastructure in Africa, the Pacific, and Latin America.
This aligns with Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a hub for international sports events, showcasing the country’s dedication to fostering growth and development through sports.
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