AMN
India’s Vice President Hamid Ansari arrived in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda in the first leg of his five days’ tour to two prominent east African countries Rwanda and Uganda today. He was given warm and friendly welcome on the Kigali international airport.
He was received by president of Rwandan Senate Mr Bernard Makuza. Talking to the media on board in his special aircraft during the flight from New Delhi to Rwanda, Vice President said that our links in African countries are very strong but friendship is a different matter and it need to renew on time to time. He is looking forward to positive outcome and strengthen the bond of friendship between India and two African nations.
He further added that renewing relationship, partnership in various developmental projects and cooperation in areas of mutual interest are the basic objectives of his visit. The consensus efforts of our government are also creating opportunities for Indian business community in east African countries like Rwanda and Uganda. It will be a good visit and we will have held good discussions on various issues in Rwanda and Uganda. Substantive matters will also be discussed in both the countries.”, he said.
Vice President will hold discussions with leaders in the two east African nations on issues of bilateral interest. He is accompanied by Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Vijay Sampla, four Members of Parliament and other officials. On his first leg, Mr. Ansari will pay homage at the genocide museum in Kigali, Rwanda and interact with the Indian community there and also attend a banquet hosted by their Prime Minister. His visit comes shortly after the visit of President of Rwanda for the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in January this year. During his visit to Uganda, the Vice President will be meeting his counterpart and the President of Uganda. Mr. Ansari would also interact with the Indian community in Kampala. The Vice President will also address India-Uganda Business Forum. Relations between India and Uganda are characterized by historical cultural linkages, extensive economic and trade interest and a convergence on major bilateral and international issues.