President Kagame today at Urugwiro Village received Canada’s Governor General Michaëlle Jean at an official welcoming ceremony featuring a guard of honor mounted by the Rwanda Defense Force. The Governor General is in Rwanda on a four-day state visit, as part of her tour of Africa.
Following a private meeting between President Kagame and the Governor General, the two heads of state held official talks with the delegation accompanying the Governor General and Rwandan officials at which were discussed bilateral cooperation, trade and investment as well as issues of governance.
http://Click here to listen to President Kagame and Governor General Michaelle Jean joint press briefing at the Office of the President.
Speaking to media at a joint press brief, s President Kagame said Rwandans were pleased to host the Canadian delegation led by the Governor General, and expressed his appreciation for the good relationship that exists between Rwanda and Canada, as well as the latter’s support to Rwanda’s development during the last decade. “We are happy to host you today for a deep and broad discussion ranging from our bilateral relationship and general issues affecting our region – peace, security, stability and development of the people of this region and the whole continent,” he said, and called for further strengthening of relations going forward.
The Governor General commended Rwanda for being a world leader in the empowerment of women. “Rwanda can pride itself as a champion of female representation in politics in Africa and the world with 56% in the National Assembly,” she said, adding that Canada and Rwanda share much in common including belonging to the Francophonie and Commonwealth communities and the United Nations. She noted that Canada was committed to enhancing bilateral cooperation and continue to build on the ties developed between the two countries to ensure respect of human dignity; “We support your leadership to strengthen regional economic integration of the East African Community to move forward towards the common market,”
She condemned the 1994 genocide of the Tutsi and reiterated that the genocide was enabled by the indifference and inaction of the international community, and said that Canada, as part of the international community, acknowledges its fair share of the responsibility. “It is with outmost humility that I express the respect of all Canadians to all Rwandans who perished, suffered and who continue to suffer. We salute the bravery and self sacrifice demonstrated in the actions of countless Rwandans, women and men and all individuals of different nationalities who did all within their personal powers to defend the victims,” she said.
The Governor General will on Thursday speak at the National University of Rwanda and visit Canadian funded projects in Nyamagabe District.