President Paul Kagame has described the relationship between Rwanda and the Republic of Congo as good.The President was at the weekend addressing the media after his arrival in President Sassou Nguesso’s hometown of Oyo, marking his third visit to the Republic of Congo since 2004. The day began with private talks between the two heads of State, and was followed by a visit to the president’s family cemetery where Kagame paid his respect to Nguesso’s late daughter, Edith Lucie Bongo Ondimba.When asked about the meaning of an afternoon spent visiting Oyo, President Kagame told the journalists: “What we have been doing this afternoon and why I come here does not always have to be matters of security or politics. It also builds on a good relationship. I have good relationships with my brother President Sassou Nguesso and Rwanda has a good relationship with Congo.”On peace and security, President Kagame said, “Peace alone does not lead to development. In peace you have to have policies that help deliver that development. We are talking about creating an environment of security and peace that can lead to prosperity for the people of Africa.”Characterised by rapid growth and development, Oyo is also home to President Nguesso’s ranch where hundreds of head of cattle now benefit the local community.“We have witnessed the investment the president has made. It touches the lives of people,” President Kagame told the media.His visit to Congo Brazzaville comes two months after Nguesso’s visit to Rwanda during which the two heads of State discussed bilateral and regional issues, including the crisis in DR Congo and the need to continue supporting the ongoing regional peace process.With flights between the two countries’ capital twice a week, the diplomatic relations between Kigali and Brazzaville has grown to include economic and trade partnerships.
