Accompanied by his First Lady Jeannette Kagame, Paul Kagame the President of Rwanda, has called for bolstering relations with Israel. He also extended an invitation to Israeli investors and firms looking to enter the Rwandan market.
This happened on Monday while the President and the First Lady were on an official visit to Israel.
According to Kagame, ties and cooperation between the two countries have continued to grow stronger especially after when the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, visited the region in 2016.
Netanyahu visited Rwanda in July last year, as part of his four Nation Africa trade and security tour, which was aimed at boosting ties. He (Netanyahu) during the visit was accompanied by a delegation of government officials and business people then.
Earlier in June this year, the Israeli Prime Minister joined West African leaders at a summit in Liberia.
“Ever since the Prime Minister’s historic visit to West Africa, Israel has continued to follow through on its commitments and objective of scaling up engagement across Africa,” Kagame was reported saying.
Talking about the cooperation between Rwanda and Israel, President Kagame mentioned some of the major key areas of their cooperation including technology, agriculture, energy as well as security.
“Cooperation between our two countries has blossomed in many areas amongst which are technology, agriculture, energy and security,” said Kagame in his speech.
“We appreciate what Israel has to offer in these fields, and we are very delighted to work with you. Trade and investment links have also multiplied. Rwanda is open for business and we are looking forward to welcoming private sector delegation even in the future,” said the Head of State.
Benjamin Netanyahu upon the same issue thanked President Kagame for enabling Israel to return to Africa, through his role of facilitating the improvement of ties between the two nations.
“You were the ‘indispensable bridge’ on which we marched to make our return to Africa. Step by step, with very sound advice, very, very, wise counsel,” Netanyahu said appreciating President Kagame.
“It is one of our biggest pleasure to work with you in rebuilding your country, in water, agriculture and security,” said President Rivlin.
Rwanda’s President later planted an olive tree at the Keren Kayemet Le Israel, a Jewish National Fund. The tree planting is said to be a tradition done by presidents and prime ministers, as a sign of friendship with the State of Israel and the Jewish people.
“Tree planting symbolizes our duty to care for the environment, which surrounds and sustains us. It also marks our shared history and our country’s presence alongside Israel, as we walk together to better the lives of our people,” concluded President Paul Kagame.
