On Friday, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, met with Mr. Emmanuel Cohet, the newly appointed Special Envoy of France for the Great Lakes region, in a move signaling renewed diplomatic engagement between Rwanda and France.
The meeting, which took place in Kigali, focused on recent developments in the Great Lakes region, including the ongoing efforts to address security challenges and promote stability.
The discussions also explored avenues for enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Minister Nduhungirehe underscored Rwanda’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with France, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts in tackling the complex security issues that continue to affect the region. He emphasized that Rwanda values France’s role as a key partner in promoting peace and stability in the Great Lakes.
Cohet, who was recently appointed as Special Envoy, reaffirmed France’s dedication to working closely with regional stakeholders, including Rwanda, to support sustainable peace initiatives.
He noted that France is keen on contributing to the resolution of ongoing conflicts, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where instability has had broader implications for the region.
The meeting also touched on the importance of economic cooperation and development as vital components of regional stability. Both officials discussed potential areas for increased collaboration, including trade, investment, and infrastructure development, which could help address some of the underlying causes of instability in the region.
This diplomatic engagement comes at a time when the Great Lakes region is facing multiple challenges, including the resurgence of armed groups in eastern DRC and the humanitarian crisis that has resulted from ongoing conflicts.
The discussions between Minister Nduhungirehe and Cohet are seen as a positive step toward finding durable solutions to these issues through enhanced cooperation.
Both parties agreed to maintain close communication and to continue working together on initiatives aimed at ensuring long-term peace and development in the Great Lakes region.
