KIGALI - The visiting Chief of Belgian Defence (CHOD), Gen Charles-Henri Delcour, has said that his country puts relations with the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) among its top priorities in Africa.

Gen. Delcour made the remarks upon arrival at Kigali International airport where he was welcomed by his Rwandan counterpart, Gen. James Kabarebe.

"I am here to discuss with my Rwandan counterparts on how we can heighten our relations and see what my country can provide to Rwanda and what Rwanda can give my country,” he said.

He added:  "the RDF is one of the African forces that we highly value and that is why I am here.”

The Belgian and Rwandan forces share good relations, which include exchange programmes in training of their forces.

The two army chiefs are expected to hold talks on a wide range of issues with regards to existing bilateral relations.
Rwanda is expecting to benefit from Delcour’s visit in terms of programmes for modernising and professionalising the RDF.

The Belgian Royal Military Academy has been training the RDF forces with close to 53 RDF members having passed through the school.

Gen. Delcour’s visit comes within the context of a military cooperation, based on a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Ministers of Defence of both countries.

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