Rwanda, Equatorial Guinea ink bilateral cooperation agreement

Presidents Paul Kagame and Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo addressing a joint press conference in Kigali

 President Paul Kagame and his counterpart Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo witnessed the signing of a bilateral cooperation agreement at Urugwiro village in Kigali this morning.

The agreement that was signed by the respective Ministers of Foreign Affairs marks the beginning of extensive bilateral ties between the two countries.

The Equatorial Guinea President is in the country on a two day visit which commenced yesterday on July 14, 2014.

After the signing of the agreement, the two presidents welcomed the excellent relations of friendship and brotherhood existing between the governments and peoples of Rwanda and Equatorial Guinea.

The Heads of State the two foreign ministers for initiating a cooperation framework that strengthens existing relations by signing a general cooperation agreement.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Equatorial Guinea, Agapito Mba Mokuy and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda, Louise Mushikiwabo signed a General Cooperation Agreement

 The agreement particularly focuses on the areas of governance, air transport, trade exchanges and investment promotion, tourism and immigration, Agro Industry, ICT and health. Other areas are defense and Security, energy and housing policy.

According to a communiqué issued by the office of the President, the presidents also discussed o multilateral matters and expressed their concern on the security and humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic and pledged to intensify their joint efforts towards a lasting solution.

In this context, they acknowledged the need for African solidarity, South-South cooperation and search of African solutions to African problems.

At a press conference to conclude president Obiang’s visit, journalists asked president Kagame, what he had done right to be able to stir Rwanda to where it is.

In his response, President Kagame said that what his government concentrated on after the 1994 Genocide was to correct the bad history through changing the politics.

“We put the well being of Rwandans ahead and made sure there is accountability and raising everyone’s stake in our development.We need to make progress on the development that matters to our people.”said President Kagame in response.

Sharing his impression of Rwanda President Obiang Nguema pointed to Rwanda’s reconciliation as a key lesson.

“We have witnessed a united people working together towards a common vision of peace and prosperity. We admire the journey you have made in achieving progress and reconciliation despite your dark past. Your determination to bring peace to your nation is an example as we strive to build a conflict free Africa,” said President Obiang.