Latvian President RinkÄ“viÄs hosts Kagame for a dinner #rwanda #RwOT

The dinner was attended by high-ranking officials, including Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, and Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Jean Damascene Bizimana.

President Kagame expressed his gratitude to his counterpart of Latvia, Rinkēvičs for the warm reception extended to him and his delegation.

'President Edgars Rinkēvičs, once again, thank you for hosting me and my delegation on this historic visit. I am convinced that Latvia and Rwanda have a lot to offer one another. We look forward to becoming not only friends but also partners,' said Kagame.

The dinner followed a series of discussions between the two Presidents. They covered topics including the strengthening of bilateral relations, addressing security challenges in both Africa and Europe, and enhancing cooperation in international organizations.

Rinkēvičs emphasized the historic nature of the visit, noting that President Kagame is the first African leader to pay an official visit to Latvia.

He also highlighted Latvia's interest in expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic and trade sectors.

'There is potential for collaboration in the field of information and communication technologies, which is also demonstrated by the growing interest of Latvian companies in the African market," said Rinkēvičs.

Following their bilateral talks, Kagame told members of the press that Rwanda and Latvia share strong bonds of friendship. He emphasized that the purpose of his visit was to explore new opportunities for the mutual benefit of both nations.

As part of the visit, the two Presidents unveiled a commemorative plaque at the National Library of Latvia, dedicated to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Rinkēvičs reflected on the genocide, calling it a dark chapter in world history.

'Thirty years ago, the world witnessed one of its darkest moments. The 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi served as a reminder of how hatred can poison people's minds. The atrocities of 1994 in Rwanda cannot be described and must not be forgotten,' said Rinkēvičs.

'Three decades later, we continue to remember the victims and honor the survivors of the genocide. Rwanda has demonstrated to the world how to overcome an unimaginable tragedy by making a determined effort to heal society and forge unity,' he added.

Drawing a parallel with Latvia's history, marked by wars, occupations, and violent repressions, Rinkēvičs remarked that Latvia deeply understands the importance of preserving historical memory.

President Kagame's official visit to Latvia is set to conclude on October 3, 2024. Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Latvia were first established on April 10, 2007.

Latvian President sosted his counterpart of Rwanda for a dinner on the evening of Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

The dinner followed a series of discussions between the two Presidents.

Rinkēvičs highlighted Latvia's interest in expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic and trade sectors.

President Kagame emphasized that the purpose of his visit was to explore new opportunities for the mutual benefit of both nations.

President Kagame expressed his gratitude to his counterpart of Latvia, Rinkēvičs for the warm reception extended to him and his delegation.

President Kagame and his Latvian counterpart share a ceremonial toast at the dinner.

The two Presidents unveiled a commemorative plaque at the National Library of Latvia, dedicated to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.