President Kagame later had bilateral talks with Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe.
“We are pleased to be here, to honour the excellent relationship that exists between Rwanda and Japan, and to deepen our friendship and cooperation,” Kagame said adding that “Rwanda very much appreciates the ongoing development cooperation with Japan. We have productive partnerships in many areas, including in agriculture, ICT, and infrastructure.”
“I wish to thank you for Japan’s support to the Kigali Urban Transport Improvement Plan. As Rwanda’s population grows and becomes more urbanized, we are keen to learn from Japan’s longstanding expertise and experience in city planning and urban transport,” he said.
The President of Rwanda commended Japan for its contribution to Rwanda’s human capacity development, through the Africa Business Education Initiative, “which is benefiting young Rwandans.”
“As you may know, the African Union has been undergoing institutional reforms for the last two years. We have achieved good progress in making AU more fit for purpose, and enhancing the continent’s engagement with the rest of the world, including with Japan,” Kagame who is the current Chairperson of the African Union said.
He added that “The African Union will continue to work with Japan and other global partners, in the reforms of the UN Security Council, to make it more relevant to today’s realities.”
Kagame invited Japan’s Prime Minister to Rwanda at any time of his inconvenience as “Rwanda remains committed to strengthening cooperation with Japan, in the bilateral as well as international arena, for the benefit of both our countries.”
Following their bilateral discussions, President Kagame and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan witnessed the signing of a bilateral agreement on Nzove-Ntora Water Transmission.
“Our visit is an opportunity to learn more from each other, and further strengthen our strong bilateral ties, development cooperation as well. We also want to increase trade and investment between Rwanda and Japan,” Kagame said adding: “We look forward to the business forum taking place tomorrow, and the roadshow to introduce Kigali Innovation City, one of Rwanda’s flagship projects.”
Before meeting Japan’s Prime Minister Abe, Kagame had also met with the President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Shinichi Kitaoka and Kobe City Mayor, Kizō Hisamoto.
According to RDB figures as of July last year , the number of Japanese investments in Rwanda totaled to $21.458 million – creating 178 jobs in agro-processing, horticulture, mining, ICT and service sectors.