Tinubu, Kagame pledge deeper Nigeria-Rwanda ties

President Bola Tinubu and President Paul Kagame have resolved to activate mechanisms aimed at deepening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda.

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Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday following a meeting between both leaders at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa in Kigali, Rwanda.

Mr Tinubu, who arrived Kigali for the Africa CEO Forum, met Kagame shortly after his arrival, where both leaders discussed strengthening cooperation across several strategic sectors.

The two presidents emphasised the importance of reviving the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission originally signed by both countries in 2021 to advance shared bilateral objectives.

They also agreed that Nigeria would host the next meeting of the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic engagements.

On consular matters, Tinubu said Nigeria would seriously consider reciprocating Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free policy for Nigerians in the spirit of Pan-African cooperation and integration.

Both leaders also discussed activating pending Memoranda of Understanding, MoU, covering tourism, illicit drugs, and anti-corruption cooperation between the two African countries.

According to Mr Onanuga, the discussions underscored Tinubu’s commitment to inter-African integration, mutual respect, economic cooperation, and shared prosperity across the continent.

Tinubu and Kagame also exchanged ideas on operationalising the African Continental Free Trade Agreement between Nigeria and Rwanda to boost trade and regional economic collaboration.

Mr Onanuga noted that both leaders have remained steadfast supporters of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and broader continental economic integration initiatives.

Nigeria, which last year established an air cargo corridor with Uganda Airways, is now discussing partnership opportunities with RwandAir to expand export opportunities for Nigerian businesses.

The Africa CEO Forum begins on Thursday and is expected to attract more than 2,000 business executives, investors, and government leaders from across Africa and beyond.

NAN