Bangui, CENTRAL AFRICA REPUBLIC
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Faustin-Archange
Touadéra of Central Africa Republic (CAR) yesterday witnessed the signing of
four pacts in Bangui.
The agreements are expected to increase
partnership and cooperation between the two nations, particularly in areas of
defence, mining and oil, investment promotion as well as a bilateral investment
treaty.
President Kagame was in Bangui on a one day
state visit to Central Africa Republic on the invitation of President Touadéra.
While in Bangui, Kagame was awarded the Grand
Croix de la Reconnaissance as well as the key of the City of Bangui – symbolism
for honorary resident.
The signing of the pacts, Kagame said, was an
indication of a new chapter in bilateral ties between the two countries.
“Today, we signed a number of important
agreements which put our joint endeavours on solid footing. And this is just
the beginning. These agreements should be diligently implemented, so we can
build on them to achieve even more together, in the years ahead,” he said.
With both countries having undergone difficult
histories, the President noted that no nation is a hostage to its past.
“There is always a choice that can be made,
collectively, to build a future, in which every citizen has a sense of dignity
and belonging,” he said.
Sharing lessons from Rwanda’s peacebuilding
process, the president told CAR leaders that Rwanda’s key factors for success
was the commitment to national unity.
“We endeavour to find solutions to our problems
through dialogue and consensus. Politics should bring people together to
promote the well-being of everyone, not create divisions,” he said.
Kagame said that Rwanda is a firm believer in
intra-African cooperation, describing the country as a work in progress.
“We believe deeply in the effectiveness of
intra-African cooperation. The ideas and resources we need can be found right
here on our continent,” he said.
The President also pledged Rwanda’s sustained
support to CAR as it strives to recover from years of political instability.
“Rwandans were supported on our journey by our
brothers and sisters in Africa, and beyond. It is, therefore, an honour for our
country to be able to share whatever we have and our experiences, wherever
useful.” he said. “We also seek to learn from the efforts of others, including
the Central African Republic.”
In a small but significant way, he added, this
kind of practical cooperation gives meaning to the tragedy we went through.
“Rwanda stands ready to continue accompanying
the people of the Central African Republic, as you move forward,” Kagame said.
Rwanda has, since 2014, maintained peacekeepers
in the Central African Republic and remains the top contributor of troop to the
UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African
Republic (MINUSCA).
Currently, the country maintains 1,370 troops
and 430 police personnel who are deployed in various sectors. - Africa
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