Senegal and Rwanda make deals, and Kagame praises their shared goal for Africa.
President Paul Kagame and his Senegalese colleague, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, signed a number of agreements on October 18 that will make it easier for the two countries to work together.
The agreements include a protocol on bilateral cooperation in the fields of agriculture and livestock, a protocol on partnership in the creation of strategic programs, and a waiver of visa requirements for people with diplomatic, service, or regular passports.
A protocol for working together in the health sector and a letter of understanding for working together in prisons and correctional services were also signed by the two countries.
Before the signing event, the two Heads of State met alone to talk about ways to work together more closely.
“The things we talked about today made us even more determined to follow these principles.” We also want a united, self-sufficient Africa that is led by transparent government and growth that benefits everyone, Kagame said.
Adding to that, he said that Rwanda has learned that change is possible with strong institutions, unity, and giving people power. He said, “These lessons shape how we approach development at home and in our partnerships.”
Both President Kagame and President Faye are very worried about Africa’s future, especially the important role that its young people will play.
“Their skills and determination are undeniable.” “It is our job to make sure they can reach their full potential in a stable, fair, and creative environment,” he said.
Kagame liked that President Faye worked with Rwandan institutions while he was there, calling it “a chance to look for more ways for the two countries to work together.”
Since he took office, President Faye said he had been meaning to visit Rwanda for a long time, but the trip had to be put off because of problems in his home country and his schedule. His happiness at finally being able to make the visit was clear.
“Things are great between Senegal and Rwanda.” These agreements are based on a common goal of progress, peace, and unity in Africa, he said.
“Friendship and brotherhood are just as strong between the people of Senegal and Rwanda,” he said. “Whether they are in Senegal or Rwanda, our people feel right at home wherever they are.”
But he pointed out that trade and business ties are not yet as strong as diplomatic and political ties.
“The legal system is still not very strong, and trade is still not very strong.” I’m sure we can do a lot more in areas like sports, schooling, the digital economy, farming, urban planning, and transportation.
Along these lines, he said that he had suggested to President Kagame that a Grand Joint Cooperation Commission be set up to improve cooperation between the two countries.
“We agree on many issues that affect Africa and the world,” Faye said, praising Kagame’s “leadership in the reform process of the African Union” and his “efforts to promote peace and security across Africa.”
“While respecting the territorial integrity of all member states, Senegal supports all efforts to bring peace and stability to the continent, including those in the Great Lakes region,” he said.
Senegal is ready to welcome Rwanda to the Youth Olympic Games, which will be held in Senegal next year, President Faye said.
