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Justice, ICT, and mutual legal assistance among new areas of collaboration as Somalia and Rwanda sign bilateral agreement
Yesterday during an official visit to Kigali, Somalia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdisalam Abdi met with his Rwandan counterpart Olivier JP Nduhungirehe and agreed to enhance collaboration between the two countries
The signing of a General Cooperation Agreement between Rwanda and Somalia in Kigali yesterday is an important step towards strengthening partnership and advancing shared interests of the two East African countries that contribute to regional peace, stability, and prosperity, said officials from both countries.
As part of a two-day official visit to Kigali, His Excellency Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, was welcomed by his Rwandan counterpart the Honourable Olivier JP Nduhungirehe.
Both Ministers reaffirmed that relations between Rwanda and Somalia are founded on mutual respect, shared aspirations, and a strong spirit of Pan-African solidarity.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somalia, Minister Abdisalam arrived in Kigali on Saturday evening for a two-day official visit, during which both sides discussed ways to expand cooperation and promote mutual development.
Both Ministers noted this official visit marks a new chapter in the strengthening of bilateral ties and the deepening of cooperation across all sectors of mutual interest. They acknowledged the positive impact of the existing cooperation across various sectors, including political consultations, investment promotion, police, and defence.
On Monday, the Ministers signed the General Cooperation Agreement, which aims to deepen bilateral relations and enhance collaboration between Somalia and Rwanda in areas such as diplomacy, trade, investment, and capacity building.
The Ministers agreed to fast-track the Agreement’s operationalisation by establishing a Joint Permanent Commission to oversee the effective implementation of existing frameworks, and to identify new areas of collaboration, including justice, education, agriculture, ICT, and mutual legal assistance, among others.
The Ministers also exchanged views on the ongoing peace processes in Doha and Washington concerning the conflict in Eastern DRC. Rwanda commended the work of Somalia at the United Nations Security Council in representing the interest of the African continent, through its continued engagement within the A3+ Group.
On Sunday, Minister Abdisalam toured the Kigali Genocide Memorial, paid respects to the victims of the 1994 genocide, and learned about Rwanda’s efforts toward unity and reconciliation. He observed exhibits outlining the tragic events and learned about the memorial’s efforts in preserving history while emphasising the importance of education and dialogue in promoting reconciliation and fostering national unity.
In the evening, Minister Abdisalam attended a dinner hosted by his Rwandan counterpart, Minister Nduhungirehe, honouring the visitors, and bringing together several members of the Somali delegation and senior Rwandan officials. The gathering highlighted ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two friendly countries, Somalia and Rwanda, and efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
Finally, both Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation agreed to enhance cooperation and coordination within international and multilateral fora to advance shared interests and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.