Kagame to visit France

President Paul Kagame is scheduled to make an official visit to France on September 12-13, 2011 at the invitation of President Nicolas Sarkozy. The two-day visit follows President Sarkozy’s visit to Rwanda in February last year,that marked a major step forward in diplomatic relations with France, which were renewed at the end of 2009. According to a statement released by the Office of the Government Spokesperson, the upcoming official visit is the first by a Rwandan Head of State since 1990. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Louise Mushikiwabo, said that the highly awaited visit will mark an important milestone in the bilateral relations of the two countries. “President Kagame’s visit to France is a significant milestone in closer relations between our two countries,” Mushikiwabo said. “The visit will be an opportunity to discuss how France and Rwanda can continue to work together, particularly in business and investment, building on the progress Rwanda has made in the last 17 years.” In addition to a meeting with President Sarkozy in Paris, President Kagame will meet with the French business community and speak at the French Institute of International Relations. President Kagame is also scheduled to meet Rwandans living in France. Ends

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Kagame to visit France