President Paul Kagame said Thursday he had held a 'productive' conversation with European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, in which the former expressed gratitude towards EU's support in making vaccine manufacturing a reality in Rwanda and Africa.

Rwanda is one of the three countries in Africa that have been designated as hubs for vaccine production in Africa, the others being Senegal and South Africa. "Had a productive conversation with EU Commissioner JuttaUrpilainen on what more we can do, and better, in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic," he said. He added: "Strong EU support in supply of vaccines and towards making vaccine manufacturing a reality in Rwanda & Africa is greatly appreciated," the head of state added. This development follows EU's recent announcement of a financial support worth Rwf3.6 billion, as part of the efforts to enhance the country's attractiveness to investments in vaccine manufacturing. Under the agreement, the investment is expected to strengthen the capacity of the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) which is the industry regulator for vaccines.

"Cordial discussion with Pres. Kagame focusing on EU's support to fight the pandemic in Rwanda," Urpilainen said on her twitter account, following the virtual meeting. She added, "Team Europe initiative on local vaccine manufacturing in Africa and agreement with the Rwanda Foods and Drug Authority. " Urpilainen disclosed that the two had also discussed situation in the Horn of Africa and the upcoming AU-EU Summit.