URUGWIRO VILLAGE - The Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General, Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, yesterday paid a courtesy call on President Paul Kagame at Urugwiro Village.

She was accompanied by two senior officers from the Commonwealth Secretariat. "The purpose of our visit is really to begin to operationalize the relationship and to look at opportunities for cooperation.

We also want to look at how we can contribute to the political and development agenda of Rwanda in relation to values of the Commonwealth,” Mwamba said.

Regarding the discussions with the Head of State, she revealed that key areas of cooperation were identified, adding that the bloc will be engaged in some of the country’s activities.

"We have a programme that has been far reaching. We have been engaged with several stakeholders and government officials. We have also identified some key areas where we will readily engage,” she explained.

The official added that one of the areas would be in election management and monitoring process, as well as offering support to institutions that support democracy and development.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Louise Mushikiwabo, who also attended the meeting, added that the delegation also expressed interest in issues related to capacity building of the local media.

It was emphasised that this visit will form the basis for developing a blue print for collaborative work between Rwanda and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Among the officials who accompanied Mwamba were the Director, Political Affairs Division, Amitav Banerji and the Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs in the Commonwealth, Manoah Esipisu.

A third delegation is also expected soon to observe the country’s development progress.

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