President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame arrived in Paris yesterday to participate in the highly anticipated 19th Summit of La Francophonie, gathering alongside other influential Heads of State and Government from around the globe.
The summit, co-hosted by Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), and French President Emmanuel Macron, aims to prioritize youth employment, a critical issue facing many countries today. The organizers have indicated that this event will emphasize the significance of creativity, innovation, and the potential for conducting business in the French language, showcasing the importance of language in fostering economic opportunities.
As reported by Village Urugwiro, the couple is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the summit in Villers-Cotterêts, a historic town located 80 kilometers northeast of Paris. This site holds great significance as it was where French was declared the official language of France in 1539, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s linguistic history.
On the evening of October 4, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame will join other dignitaries for a formal dinner hosted by President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron at the Élysée Palace, further highlighting the diplomatic ties between the two nations.
In addition to the ceremonial aspects, President Kagame is expected to engage in a closed roundtable discussion centered on “Renewed Multilateralism,” chaired by President Macron. This session will be followed by another closed-door meeting, providing a platform for leaders to address pressing global issues. The summit will ultimately conclude with the adoption of the Villers-Cotterêts Declaration, outlining the commitments made by participating countries.
Kagame’s visit serves as a testament to the strengthening relations between Rwanda and France, particularly through the collaborative efforts of the French Development Agency (AFD). Since 2021, the AFD has been financing a range of initiatives in Rwanda, focusing on enhancing the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in the areas of renewable energy and digital transformation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has noted that bilateral relations between Rwanda and France have significantly improved, highlighted by various agreements, including a double tax avoidance agreement signed in June 2023 to promote trade and investment. Earlier this year, both nations also reached agreements on new defense cooperation, among other important initiatives.