The United Nations (UN) Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations has expressed appreciation and gratitude to the Government of Rwanda for its contribution to peacekeeping missions and commended the excellent performance of the Rwandan peacekeepers whenever they are deployed in UN missions.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix was meeting with Rwanda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and East African Community, Louise Mushikiwabo, the Minister for Defence James Kabarebe and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Patrick Nyamvumba at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters, Kimihurura.

During the Monday meeting, the leaders took the opportunity to discuss the prevailing political and security situation in Central African Republic, South Sudan and in the region.

The discussions also reviewed the progress of the ongoing negotiations over UN request for the Government of Rwanda to contribute more troops to MINUSCA, according to a statement.

The additional force which is expected to be deployed to the Central African Republic by February 2018, will reinforce UN operations and address the recurrent attacks against the population.

Rwanda already maintains troops and other personnel that include a Level-Two hospital and other UN staff in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

Rwandan troops are specifically charged with providing security for high-ranking government officials, including the President, and securing key state installations.

Minister Mushikiwabo, thanked the UN Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations for his visit and reassured him of the Rwanda’s commitment to support peace in Africa and elsewhere in the world.

Lacroix assumed the post of UN Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations on April 1 this year, replacing Hervé Ladsous.