President Paul Kagame on Monday received credentials of the first Pakistani High Commissioner with residence in Rwanda, alongside three other envoys representing Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Swiss Confederation and the Kingdom of Thailand.
Apart from Amir Mohammad Khan (Pakistan), the three other envoys; Jesús Agustín Manzanilla Puppo (Venezuela), Valentin Zellweger (Switzerland), and Sasirit Tangulrat (Thailand) are resident in Kenya.
While addressing the media shortly after meeting President Kagame, Khan said Pakistan’s decision to send a resident High Commissioner to Rwanda is to maximise the potential of the existing bilateral ties.
"To be honest, the potential that exists is not fully maximised. The existing trade figures are far below the potential that lies within,” he added, "I am sure in the coming years, we will be able to explore all the venues, possibilities, where we could further strengthen our ties.”
Pakistani envoy to Rwanda Amir Mohammad Khan inspects a guard of honour as he makes his way to meet President Kagame to present his credentials at Village Urugwiro on Monday, June 28. Photo: Village Urugwiro.
The envoy pointed out that there is great potential of commercial and trade relations between both countries.
"It (Rwanda) is socio economically strong, the country’s ease of doing business is globally recognised, I will try my best during my tenure to take advance the existing relations between the two countries.”
On his part, Venezuela’s Puppo applauded the government’s efforts to rebuild the country from zero following the Genocide against the Tutsi.
"The government has shown how to improve, how to grow fast, and grow the country’s economy and make it possible for Rwandans to access services such as health, among others.”
Thailand to focus on digitisation
During her tenure, Thai Ambassador Tangulrat said that she will among others prioritise strengthening existing digitization agreements between the two countries.
"Digital technology is so important today particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, we aim to exchange expertise in this area as we look to recover from the ongoing crisis.”
The envoy highlighted that she had held fruitful discussions with President Kagame when he received her credentials.
"We discussed how our two countries will better strengthen our cooperation in the sectors that will provide mutual benefits for both our countries. They include ICT, tourism as well as public health.”
After 34 years of diplomatic relations, Tungulrat said Rwanda and Thailand have very cordial relations.
She reiterated that so far, the two countries have signed two agreements, one of the ICT and the other being a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA).
"In addition to bilateral relations, Rwanda and Thailand have supported each as felt in the international organisations. The two countries will continue to work together in the international organisations particularly on the issues that are important for both our countries.”
For Zellweger, envoy of Switzerland to Rwanda, there is a lot that unites the two countries. He said that both countries being lanclocked and hilly are some of the examples.
Like the rest, Zellweger told the media that he is committed to strengthen the ties, especially economic cooperation, that unite both countries.
But also new deals such as digitalisation, in which Rwanda plays a critical role, he said.
"We also look to explore more areas including Rwanda’s ambition to position itself as a financial centre, particularly on grounds that Switzerland is an established financial centre.”
In his term of office, he said, he would prioritise cooperation in the field of digitisation and that of financial services.
Consequently, he said, Switzerland is ready to support the country’s interest in positioning itself as an international conference centre.
"Switzerland is one of the established global conference centres, and that of course could also be an interesting area to prioritise.”