Rwanda, Singapore discuss key areas of cooperation #rwanda #RwOT

The discussions were held on Friday, September 20, 2024 as confirmed by Rwanda's Presidency.

President Kagame also held discussions with Singapore's Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Lawrence Wong.

According to the Presidency's message shared on X account, the leaders 'renewed their commitment to a strong bilateral partnership and exchanged views on shared values of good governance and leadership aimed at transforming the lives of citizens.'

The two leaders also welcomed the signing of a renegotiated Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, which will help boost investment opportunities between the two countries.

Besides, President Kagame attended a luncheon hosted by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong at Istana, the office of the president of Singapore.

The two leaders discussed global affairs and the impact of technology on development, as well as the productive economic partnership between their countries and its tangible benefits.

Lee Hsien Loong, who served as Singapore's Prime Minister from 2004 to 2024, first visited Rwanda In 2022, marking his first trip to both Rwanda and Africa.

Rwanda and Singapore enjoy robust bilateral relations, particularly in areas such as investment, trade, education, rule of law, technology, and air transport services.

Both nations are members of FOSS, an organization established in 1992 by Singapore, which comprises small nations working together to address global challenges and promote development.

The bilateral relationship was further strengthened on September 29, 2023, when Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MINAFFET) and Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to renew and deepen cooperation.

Signed by Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, Rwanda's High Commissioner to Singapore, and Wy Mun Kong, CEO of SCE, the five-year MoU focuses on key sectors such as ICT and cybersecurity, sustainability and climate change, urban planning, infrastructure development, and capacity building.

High-level visits continue to bolster ties between the two nations. President Kagame, who is on his fourth visit to Singapore, also attended the 11th Annual Asia Summit on September 19, where he participated in a fireside chat moderated by Richard Ditizio, CEO of the Milken Institute.

The discussion centered on Rwanda's socio-economic transformation journey.

Singapore is one of the wealthiest countries globally, with a 2023 GDP of $501 billion, up from $0.70 billion in 1960. Its per capita GDP in 2023 stood at $84,600, reflecting its remarkable economic growth.

Tharman Shanmugaratnam welcomed President Kagame in Singapore.

President Paul Kagame has met with his counterpart of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam of Singapore.

President Kagame and his delegation attended a luncheon hosted by Former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at Istana.

President Kagame and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong at Istana discussed global affairs and the impact of technology on development, as well as the productive economic partnership between their countries and its tangible benefits.