The Government of Rwanda and the Republic of Korea have signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), in a move that will see the two countries open skies for both republics to ease air travel.
The agreement was signed Friday, November 27, by the Minister of Infrastructure Claver Gatete and the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Jin-weon CHAE in Kigali.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Gatete said that signing with the agreement marks the 101th BASAs the country has signed with different countries, disclosing that 52 of them have been ratified, 17 signed and 32 initialed.
He told the media that the agreement will enhance connectivity between both countries and also facilitate the private sectors of both countries to realize and tap into the economic and social benefits.
"The signing of the BASA with the Republic of Korea and with opening of more routes by RwandAir, will promote international air link between countries, enhance business and tourism opportunities through air transport,” he said.
Adding, "This will also provide Rwanda’s private sector with enormous opportunities in an economically vibrant and large market of more than 180 million people.”
Ambassador Jin-weon CHAE noted that the signing of bilateral Air Service Agreement will broaden the scope of the two countries’ cooperation, providing more opportunities for both populations in mainly two aspects.
"This Agreement will promote human exchange and buttresses the partnership between the countries. And it is also expected to contribute to Rwanda’s efforts to attain its sustainable development,” he said.
Strong bilateral relations
Rwanda and the Republic of Korea boast of strong partnerships mainly in the ICT, Agriculture, and Education sectors.
"One of the factors considered while signing this agreement with the Republic of Korea is the bilateral relationship between the two countries,” Gatete said.
On Thursday, November 26, Rwanda and Republic of Korea signed a loan deal worth Rwf66.2 million, which expected to boost the former’s ambitions to achieve universal access to electricity by 2024.
Earlier this week, Rwanda received a package of Covid-19 testing medical supplies from the Republic of Korea.