NEW DELHI - The New Rwandan High Commissioner to Indian, Williams Nkurunziza, presented his credentials to the Indian President, Prathiba Devisingh Patil early this week.

The functions took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the president’s official residence, in New Delhi.

A statement released after the function indicates that, in presenting his letter of credence, Nkurunziza also conveyed fraternal greetings and best wishes to the Indian President from President Paul Kagame and his desire to deepen and strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between India and Rwanda.

"In her remarks, President Patil hailed the relations between the two countries and recalled the visit of her Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, to India for the FICCI business summit and also commended him for this engagement, noting that the future of Indo-Africa relations must be built on stronger people-to-people contacts and collaboration,” reads the statement.

Patil also sent fraternal greetings to Paul Kagame and best wishes in the forthcoming presidential elections - as Rwanda continues to work in building a strong democratic foundation.

"The ceremony, at the magnificent Rashtrapati Bhavan, was attended by senior Indian Government officials, Rwandan High Commission staff and family members,” ends the statement.

Ends