President Kagame receives US Deputy Secretary of Treasury – Kigali, 31 October 2009 President Kagame on Saturday at Urugwiro Village received Neal Wolin, the US Deputy Secretary of Treasury. The Deputy Secretary is on a nine-day African tour of Rwanda, Tanzania and South Africa to highlight key economic growth issues, including infrastructure, food security and investment. In the meeting with President Kagame, the Deputy Secretary said that he was impressed with the tremendous progress that has taken place in Rwanda since 1994 and expressed his government’s appreciation for the country’s leadership in peacekeeping in Darfur. He pointed out that after extensive discussions with senior Rwandan officials on the country’s priorities in agriculture, the economy, finance and infrastructure, he looked forward to contributing Rwanda’s forward progress.
President Kagame welcomed Deputy Secretary Wolin to Rwanda noting the importance of the cooperation message signaled by this visit, particularly following September’s meetings between US President Obama and African leaders on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York. President Kagame underscored Rwanda’s efforts in building the private sector, creating conducive environment for investment, and enabling Rwandans to overcome poverty, particularly through entrepreneurship.
President Kagame also emphasised Rwanda’s commitment to regional integration noting that the East African Community had achieved customs union and significant progress had been made by member states towards a common market. President Kagame also highlighted ongoing cooperation between Rwanda and DRC in economic development initiatives and expressed satisfaction in the renewed partnership between the two countries.