GABONESE President, Ali Bongo Odimba, is optimistic that bilateral ties with Rwanda will unlock links for business ventures that will benefit the economies and citizens of both countries.Bongo made the remarks on Friday night as the chief guest to a state banquet that was hosted by President Paul Kagame and the First Lady.The state banquet which was hosted at Serena Kigali Hotel was attended by hundreds of high level officials including ministers, private investors and delegates from Gabon.“We have already reinforced key bilateral ventures that paid off; a number of entrepreneurs from Rwanda participated in a trade fair in Libreville earlier in July this year and their products were greatly appreciated by my people,” Bongo revealed.“As leaders, we will cooperate and work hard to ensure that mechanisms are put in place to ease trade relations for the long term. More importantly, I am keen on understanding how Rwanda has fast-tracked Vision 2020 targets, how it has managed to develop successful village settlement programs and adopted agricultural practices like animal husbandry that are beneficial to the poor.”In his address, President Kagame said that Bongo’s visit was a historic moment that indicates the emerging importance of inter-African state partnerships.“The people of Africa have waited too long for their leaders to make a difference in their lives, thus the need to work closely together more now, as demonstrated by his excellency Ali-Bongo’s visit. In this age of increasing competitiveness and yet interdependent global environment, our people want freedom, dignity, justice and prosperity,” Kagame explained.
