President Paul Kagame received letters of credence on Tuesday, March 26 from three new envoys who will represent their countries in Rwanda. The officials include Ambassador Nermine Mohamed Essam of Egypt, High Commissioner Julie Crowley of Canada, and Kenyan High Commissioner Janet Mwawasi Oben. ALSO READ: Rwanda, Kenya sign nine cooperation agreements After presenting their letters of credence, to the head of state, the envoys highlighted in subsequent interviews the aim to scale up bilateral ties between their respective countries and Rwanda, mainly citing an already “firm” foundation. “I was honored to present my letters of credence to President Kagame where we evaluated our bilateral relations with Rwanda,” said Egyptian ambassador Essam. “There is a political will on the Egyptian side to engage and to enhance our bilateral relations in different sectors namely economic sector, health as well as security and military,” she added. ALSO READ: Rwanda, Egypt seek to enhance military cooperation Rwanda and Egypt enjoy cordial relations in several fields including the Military, Agriculture, trade, and health. Kigali recently proposed Dan Munyuza as the Rwandan ambassador to Egypt. Canada’s new high commissioner Julie Crowley maintained that she was “now fully engaged and excited to advance the good bilateral ties between Rwanda and Canada.” “We will focus on strengthening commercial ties through a dozen Canadian firms established in Rwanda and the Rwandan diaspora in Canada.” Crowley said that Rwanda and Canada will also be moving to foster collaboration in mining, renewable energy, and education. “We want to focus on that, but we are not limited. We want to forge collaboration in ICT because Rwanda is already a hub in the region.” Kenyan High Commissioner Janet Mwawasi Oben argued that her country aims to retain its position as one of Rwanda’s top trade partners. She said; “Kenya and Rwanda enjoy cordial bilateral relations mainly centered on political and economic cooperation.” Kenya exports beverages, pharmaceutical products, foodstuffs, cement, iron, and silk, while Rwanda exports coffee, tea, raw hides and skins, as well as horticultural foods. Oben also hinted at overseeing the implementation of the 10 cooperation agreements signed between Rwanda and Kenya, during President William Ruto’s visit to Kigali in April 2023. “In my capacity, I will ensure the implementation of existing cooperation agreements so that we can expand and give rise to new opportunities in our bilateral relations.” “Kenya and Rwanda will continually seek to expand trade investment and advance peace and security in the region, she reiterated.
