KING LAUDS KAGAME

KIGALI, RWANDA - His Majesty the King would like to see Eswatini enhance her food self-sufficiency capacity by drawing lessons from Rwanda’s advanced agricultural sector.

Agriculture reportedly contributes more than 40 per cent of Rwanda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the 14. 4 million people and is almost exclusively agriculturally based, with more than 90 per cent of the population earning a livelihood by producing food crops or through industrial work involving the processing of crops. The government is now moving citizens from subsistence farming to commercial and industrialised agriculture. Speaking during a courtesy call on Rwanda President Paul Kagame, at the State House at Urugwino Village yesterday, the King urged the two countries to also expand their cooperation agreements to the tourism and trade sectors which offer promising opportunities.

“In looking forward to the future, let us enhance our bilateral relations and cooperation in different areas, such as in the agricultural sector, where your country is well advanced. Our country could benefit from learning your best practices and technology to improve productivity,” he said. The King also noted how both countries were renowned as global tourist destinations, which presented a potential for collaboration in the tourism sector by creating packages that would attract more visitors from around the world. In terms of trade between the two countries, the King made reference to the two countries’ membership in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“Our visit here aims to improve business opportunities for our countries and people. We urge our entrepreneurs to take advantage of the investment opportunities that will be available,” said His Majesty. The King also expressed Eswatini’s gratitude to the Rwanda Government for the exchange programmes, which have seen senior government officials and members of the business community share skills and experiences with each other. The health sector was also identified as a beneficiary of Rwanda’s skills, through the medical experts who have plied their trade in the kingdom.
 
KING CONGRATULATES KAGAME

His Majesty the King yesterday congratulated President Paul Kagame for the successful presidential elections, which he won by over 99 per cent of the votes. He described the massive national participation as an illustration of the trust and confidence that the people of Rwanda have in his leadership. “We are highly impressed with the development that has taken place in this beautiful country, which is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the country’s leadership to improve the lives of the Rwanda people.” “We wish you great success in elevating this country to even greater heights,” he said. His Majesty further applauded the Rwanda president and the citizens for the country’s 30th anniversary of peace.

“We commend you for your astute leadership in guiding this country through reconciliation and advancing home-grown solutions in social development, economic growth and other areas that have improved the welfare of the people of Rwanda,” he said. The King noted that during these years, the country has not only shared its formula for success with fellow countries on the continent, but has also contributed to peace and security through participation in peacekeeping missions.

EXISTING AGREEMENTS STRENGTHENED

His Majesty the King has expressed a deep desire to see the relations between Eswatini and Rwanda grow stronger. He called for both countries to continue to support each other and cooperate in various areas, recognising the shared common interests on peace and security, development, health, climate change and food security, among others. “We are pleased that two years ago, our countries signed and committed to a General Cooperation Agreement (GCA), which established a Joint Permanent Commission.

The two countries signed four memoranda of understanding (MoUs), which emanate and seek to operationalise the initial agreement. “We look forward to putting this agreement into full effect, as it allows the two countries to share knowledge on trade, tourism, economic, scientific, technical, environmental, educational and cultural matters.” “This will further help to enhance hands-on skills and international exchange of technical expertise and benchmarking exercises to learn more about human capital development between our countries.

The King informed President Kagame that Eswatini was alive to the fact that Rwanda had advanced information, communication and technology (ICT) programmes and that this was witnessed from a tour yesterday to the Irembo Technology Company, which supports the government in its endeavour to deliver services and innovative digital solutions.
“Today, we will also be privileged to visit the special economic zones (SEZs) and tour some of the projects there, which include the university specialising in cybersecurity programmes,” he said.

His Majesty said the local delegation was confident of learning a lot from Rwanda’s experiences, since Eswatini has developed similar facilities through the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP). “We have also established special economic zones, which we believe can play an important role in the development of our country,” said His Majesty. He emphasised the importance of strengthening cordial relations between the two countries and extending this cooperation to regional and international issues in fora, such as the African Union (AU). “Let us foster economic growth and strengthen the friendship of our two countries in order to improve the lives of our peoples,” he said.

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