France seeks renewed bilateral ties with Rwanda

The French ambassador to Rwanda, Michel Fresch, told reporters that both Rwanda and France stand to benefit if the two countries enjoy better relations.

Sunday, January 20, 2013
Habumuremyi (R) welcomes Fresche to his office for talks on Friday. The New Times/John Mbanda.

The French ambassador to Rwanda, Michel Fresch, told reporters that both Rwanda and France stand to benefit if the two countries enjoy better relations. The envoy made the remarks after meeting the Prime Minister, Pierre Damien Habumuremyi on Friday."We have essentially discussed the way to revitalise bilateral relations between two countries, the PM talked about the priorities for the country - they are many. France will see which way and fields it can support in Rwanda,” Fresch said of his meeting with the Premier."We have to move forward together, create a sprit of partnership and not to look backward. The partnership between the two countries is to develop activities of mutual benefit,” he added.According to Innocent Nkurunziza, an advisor to the Prime Minister, the discussions also involved Genocide fugitives living freely in France."There are people accused of Genocide who are still in France and there is no clear will from France to bring them to justice,” Nkurunziza said adding that the French ambassador promised to do something about it by the end of the year.Other areas discussed in the meeting included potential areas of partnership and streamlining consular services.