The Belgian minister for International Development Charles Michel is due in Kigali this weekend for bilateral talks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced.

The director of Communications in the Foreign Affairs ministry Robert Masozera said yesterday that Michel is scheduled to arrive Sunday. He will be accompanied by 37 officials. The delegation will fly into Kigali from neighbouring DR Congo.

Masozera explained: "The minister (Michel) will be here over the weekend on a visit aimed at strengthening the good relations that already exist between the two countries.
"He will lead a delegation of parliamentarians, journalists and officials from the foreign affairs office in Brussels.”

While here, the Belgian minister is expected to visit Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, Kibagabaga Hospital and Camp Kigali.  He will also hold talks with government officials from the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health, Education and Agriculture. 
 
Before departure on January 21, Michel is expected meet with President Paul Kagame. Belgium is one of Rwanda’s development partners. In 2007, Belgium and Rwanda signed two budget support agreements with a total value of 16 million euros (approx. Frw12.7 billion) to cover the year 2008/9.

Last month, Belgium donated 23.5 million euros (approx. Frw18.5billion) to Rwanda to support energy, criminal investigation and horticulture development.
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