KIGALI - President Paul Kagame, yesterday, departed Kigali for Nice, France where he will participate in the 25th France Africa Summit, following an invitation extended to him by President Nicholas Sarkozy during his visit to Kigali in February.

Around 40 African Heads of State have confirmed attendance at the two-day summit which will mainly discuss issues of governance, reinforcement of peace and security, as well as climate change.

This is President Kagame’s first visit to France in eight years, having last visited during the same Summit held in Paris in 2002.

Taking place on the margins of the Heads of State Summit are ministerial meetings on commerce and the economy, and a business forum.

Rwanda’s delegation at the Summit includes, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Louise Mushikiwabo, the Minister of Finance, John Rwangombwa, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Emmanuel Hategeka, as well as Robert Bayigamba, the president of the Private Sector Federation.

After the meeting in Nice, President Kagame is scheduled to address the World Summit for the Future of Haiti, taking place at Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

The President has been invited to share - with participating dignitaries - Rwanda’s post genocide experience, particularly reconstruction in the absence of proper state structures.

The World Summit for the Future of Haiti was called by the President of the Dominican Republic, Dr. Leonel Fernández, with the aim of ratifying the commitment of the International Community to Haiti.

The Summit is also an opportunity to provide an update as to where Haiti is at present.

Several Heads of State from the Latin America and Caribbean region and/or representatives of donor countries are expected to attend.

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