Djibouti president visits Rwanda to cement bilateral ties

Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh has concluded his two-day state visit to Rwanda with a stance on strong bilateral relations between the two countries.

The North East Africa nation leader was hosted by the Rwanda President Paul Kagame to a State Banquet on Friday evening, and later on Saturday afternoon, the two leaders addressed a joint press conference.

"We share a lot with Rwanda in terms of advancing economic opportunities for our people. My visit to Rwanda aims to further cement our relations with Rwanda," said Guelleh while addressing the press.

He noted that his country is engaged with Rwanda to create exchange opportunities through trade economic zones that will benefit citizens of both countries.

During his visit, Guelleh toured the Kigali special economic zone, where he visited two factories, including Strawtec Building Solutions, which produces building materials for sustainable structures.

"Our ties are not just of partnership, you are our brothers and sisters. Rwanda is keen to develop opportunities to deepen integration in Eastern Africa, of which Djibouti is an integral part," Kagame said.

He thanked the government of Djibouti for offering 20 hectare plot of land designated as a strategic port zone to Rwanda. Rwanda plans to develop and operate the piece of land at the port of Djibouti as strategic base for its imports and exports.

"We would like to leverage our mutual advantages. Our two countries enjoy unique cordial relations and we shall continue to strengthen it for the betterment of our people," Rwanda president noted.

Rwanda has also designated a plot of land in the Kigali Special Economic industrial zone, to Djibouti within the spirit of reciprocity.

Djibouti ports are strategically located at the crossroads of one of the busiest shipping routes in the world, linking Europe, the Far East, the Horn of Africa and the Persian Gulf. Endit