Kigali, 31 August 2016
President Patrice Talon of Benin today concluded his three-day official visit to Rwanda after jointly holding a press conference with President Kagame.
The two Presidents also witnessed the signing of different cooperation protocols between the two countries by respective foreign ministers, key among them being the general cooperation agreement. During his stay in the country, President Talon also visited different parts of the country.
In his opening statement, President Kagame thanked President Patrice Talon and his delegation for visiting Rwanda and pointed out that the keen interest in Rwanda by the President honors and challenges Rwandans to do better going forward.
“Through our cooperation and relationship, we hope to work more closely to advance integration for our continent and our people. Your keen interest in Rwanda honors and challenges us to do better going forward.”
President Talon thanked President Kagame and all Rwandans for receiving him and his delegation and said he would leave with part of Rwanda in his heart.
Fielding questions from journalists touching on various topics related to Rwanda, Benin and the continent at large, Presidents Kagame and Talon reiterated the urgent need for inter-Africa cooperation as the key strategy for sustainable progress for the continent and its people.
The two Presidents also emphasized on African self governance since models suggested by others would not work in the best interests of Africans.
President Kagame said:
“We Rwandans want to govern ourselves properly. This will not be a gift given to us by outsiders. We must do it ourselves.”
President Talon said:
“What’s relevant today in Benin won’t be relevant elsewhere – laws governing countries are based on its citizens’ desires. The leadership of Rwanda will have an impact in Africa”
Presidents Kagame and Talon paid tribute to the World Bank President, Jim Yong Kim who they said has served with passion and merits trust for a second mandate.