President Kagame holds talks with Prime Minister of Samoa #rwanda #RwOT

President Kagame is in Samoa to attend the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Upon his arrival in the Samoan capital, Apia, he was welcomed by the country's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Customs and Revenue, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, before engaging in talks with Prime Minister Afioga.

The Commonwealth comprises 56 member countries from across all continents, with 33 of them being small states, including 25 island nations. By 2023, the Commonwealth had an estimated population of 2.5 billion people.

President Kagame has served as Chairperson of the Commonwealth since June 2022, following Rwanda's successful hosting of CHOGM that year. He took over the role from former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

During this year's CHOGM, which runs from October 21-26, Rwanda will officially hand over the two-year chairmanship to Samoa.

This handover was confirmed by Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, on October 22, 2024.

Samoa was selected as the incoming Chair-In-Office and host of the next CHOGM during last year's Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda.

Additionally, a new Secretary-General of the Commonwealth is expected to be elected, replacing Patricia Scotland, who has held the position since March 2016.

This year's CHOGM marks a historic occasion, being the first held in a Pacific Small Island Developing State and the first since Gabon and Togo officially joined the Commonwealth, raising the total membership to 56 nations.

CHOGM, traditionally held biennially, serves as the Commonwealth's main political gathering.

Building on the progress since CHOGM 2022, this year's leaders are expected to address pressing global challenges, including economic, environmental, and security issues.

Discussions will also focus on how the Commonwealth can work together to enhance resilience, boost trade, foster innovation and growth, and empower the Commonwealth's 1.5 billion youth to build a more peaceful and sustainable future.

The main CHOGM event is scheduled for October 25, 2024, preceded by several side meetings, including the Youth Forum and the Women's Forum. The Foreign Ministers' Meeting will take place on October 24.

President Kagame has held talks with the Prime Minister of Samoa.

Upon his arrival in the Samoan capital, Apia, Kagame was welcomed by the country's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Customs and Revenue, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio.