President N’Guesso begins 3-day visit

President Denis Sassou N’Guesso of the Republic of Congo yesterday flew into the country for a three-day State Visit. He touched down at Kigali International Airport at exactly 5:20p.m, accompanied by several members of his cabinet. Upon arrival, N’Guesso was received by his counterpart, President Paul Kagame.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Presidents Kagame and Denis Sassou N'Guesso of the Republic of Congo, shortly after the latter's arrival in Kigali, yesterday. The New Times / Urugwiro Village.

President Denis Sassou N’Guesso of the Republic of Congo yesterday flew into the country for a three-day State Visit.

He touched down at Kigali International Airport at exactly 5:20p.m, accompanied by several members of his cabinet.

Upon arrival, N’Guesso was received by his counterpart, President Paul Kagame.

The colourful ceremony was attended by top government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.

The two heads of State inspected a guard of honour mounted  by the Rwanda Defence Forces before a brief private meeting at the airport’s VIP lounge.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Louise Mushikiwabo, described the visit as reciprocal, following President Kagame’s visit to Brazzaville in November last year.

"The visit will strengthen relations between the two states. The countries are making impressive progress in their relations. Four months after President Kagame visited Congo, Rwandair made its maiden flight there,” Mushikiwabo said.

She added that recently, a group of Rwandan business people visited Congo to explore investment opportunities.

"This visit comes at a time when we are holding a Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) meeting where we are looking at key areas of cooperation that include various sectors, such as  environment, agriculture and technology among others,” Mushikiwabo said.

President N’Guesso is today expected to visit Kigali Memorial Centre, the National I.D Project offices and Inyange Industries. Later in the evening, President Kagame will host N’Guesso to a State banquet.

The two Heads of State are expected to hold a joint press conference tomorrow.

Ends