Kigali, 12 January 2013
Today in Kigali, President Kagame met with a delegation of two republican senators and three republican congressmen to discuss furthering cooperation in business and trade, as well as partnership on global issues. The US law makers expressed appreciation for the economic transformation Rwanda has achieved.
Leading the delegation, Oklahoma Ranking Member on the Senate Armed Services Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee member Jim Inhofe said:
“This President has done so much for this country. What President Kagame has done that other presidents have not been able to do is incredible. We want to help in any way we can. Rwanda is a model.”
On US-Rwanda relations, Senator Jim Inhofe added:“Joining together in partnerships and trade is in our interest. It doesn’t just benefit you, it benefits all of us. We want to keep that relationship going.”
Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo explained the goal of the delegation’s two day visit as a time for the members to learn more about Rwanda and see first-hand the increasing opportunities that are mutually beneficial to the two nations.
In addition to Senator Jim Inhofe from Oklahoma, the delegation included Senator John Boozman of Arkansas known for his active support of trade and financial access in Africa; member of House Financial Services Committee and Representative of New Mexico Steve Pearce; member of Ways and Means Committee and Representative of Minnesota Erik Paulsen and Representative Venon Buchanan of Florida.
The delegation will spend two days in Rwanda and continue on to West Africa where they will end the Africa tour that began in Ethiopia and South Sudan.
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