THE ONGOING East African integration process that seeks to enhance trade and movement of citizens across the region is a sure way to increase the region’s capacity to trade with countries outside the region, according to the Russian ambassador to Rwanda.

In an exclusive interview with The New Times yesterday, Dr Andrey Polyakov, the Russian envoy said the region stands a chance to do business with countries such as Russia following the integration because of better movement of goods and services in the region.

The interview was conducted ahead of Russia’s celebration of their independence day, slated for June 12.

"It is easier for Russia to develop trade ties with Rwanda and other regional countries because of the improved infrastructure and networks that provide access to habours,” he said during the interview held at the Embassy in Kiyovu.

He noted that although the two countries are far apart geographically, there were numerous trade opportunities between them.

The Russian envoy also noted that integration would enable the countries in the region reduce their dependency from western donors and governments who might be out to influence their development agenda.

  "One of the main steps to develop the internal capacities of African countries is the integration process. We highly appreciate the ongoing integration process. Countries involved are gaining experience through cooperation in numerous fields. The status of economies and future perspectives will be much better without much dependency from the west,” Dr Polyakov noted.

Dr Mikhail Nikitin, the deputy head of mission at the Russian embassy said the impact of the integration were already visible.

"Some of the results of this process are now visible. If  you look at these countries’ economies (Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda) in the past few years, the level of dependence has gone down in terms of foreign aid and loans are going down. It may take time but it is a very positive trend. There are very wise policies being presented because actions are taken in consultations with like-minded partners, these policies are meant to strengthen economies and further development agenda,” Dr Nikitin said.

FDLR concerns

The Russian ambassador also expressed concern over the escalation of tension in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. He condemned the unlawful activity of armed groups like the FDLR insisting that they should lay down their arms voluntarily or else be disarmed by force.

The FDLR is an acronym for the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda and majority of the group’s fighters are elements responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

 Russia is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and will in the month of June hold its chairmanship. During the period, the ambassador noted that they plan to have a series of meetings on African issues.