Gabon, Rwanda forge closer bilateral ties

President Paul Kagame yesterday received his Gabonese counterpart, Ali Bongo Odimba who is in Rwanda for a two-day official visit.Bongo’s visit which began yesterday is mainly aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries in the areas of trade and commerce.Accompanied by the Gabonese First Lady, Bongo landed at Kigali International Airport at around 02:50 pm. He was received by President Kagame and the First Lady Jeannette Kagame before the two Heads of State inspected a Guard of Honour.Bongo later visited the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to explore investment opportunities while the wife visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial site.“Gabon’s economy relies mainly on petroleum, but it was discovered that this petroleum may soon start reducing, which is why they intend to explore all options available to enlarge their trading area attracting investors of all kinds,” saidAmandin Rugira, Rwanda’s Ambassador accredited to Gabon.“In this context, the Gabonese authorities want to have English as a second official language so that investors can be served in languages they are comfortable with,” added Rugira, who is based in Kinshasa.Rwanda made English one of its official languages, alongside Kinyarwanda and French, and has since made it the language of instruction in schools.Gabon’s economy relies more on oil, timber and mining.“The per capita income per citizen in Gabon is calculated at US$10,800 which is one of the biggest in Africa. Rwanda and Gabon are considering exploring joint ventures mainly in export oriented business,” said Rugira.By press time the visiting Head of State and wife were being hosted at a State Banquet.The Heads of State are expected to address a joint press conference today while the two First Ladies are expected to visit a girl’s school.Relations between Rwanda and Gabon started flourishing last year mainly cemented by the introduction of a four-time a week flights to Libreville by the national carrier, RwandAir.

National

Gabon, Rwanda forge closer bilateral ties