Outgoing United Kingdom envoy to Rwanda William Gelling, yesterday, bid farewell to President Paul Kagame. Gelling, who had paid Kagame a courtesy call, said that, during his four-year tour of duty in the country, the two countries had strengthened ties, especially in trade and military aspects.
Outgoing United Kingdom envoy to Rwanda William Gelling, yesterday, bid farewell to President Paul Kagame.
Gelling, who had paid Kagame a courtesy call, said that, during his four-year tour of duty in the country, the two countries had strengthened ties, especially in trade and military aspects.
"We are proud of what we have been able to achieve over the years in building ties between the two countries,” he said.
Among the significant strides in boosting ties include the launch of direct flights to the United Kingdom by the national carrier, RwandAir.
The flights are expected to boost trade between the two countries, especially facilitating entry of local products into the European market.
"The two countries have also established and strengthened military links in recent years,” he said.
Rwanda and the UK have also partnered in conducting training of military, police and civilian personnel active in United Nations and African Union peacekeeping operations.
The two countries enjoy cordial relations across several aspects with the UK supporting Rwanda’s development process through the Department for International Development (DFID).
The department supports education, agriculture, social protection as well as improving trade and investment capacities.
Gelling will be succeeded by Jo Lomas as the new High Commissioner to Rwanda and non-resident Ambassador to Burundi.
Prior to her posting to Kigali, Lomas served as the UK envoy to Namibia.
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