UK minister visits Rwanda to strengthen bilateral ties

The British minister for the Department for International Development (DFID) arrived in the Rwandan capital Kigali on Monday to further cement bilateral relations with the small central African country.

Upon his arrival, James Wharton, travelled to Musanze district, Northern Province, where he met with the governor of the province and the district mayor, as well as toured UK-funded development and social protection programs.

Wharton is visiting Rwanda for the first time since he took office in July this year.

According to a statement from the UK High Commission, the visit will focus on areas of mutual interest between the two countries, including poverty reduction, education, trade and investment.

The trip is viewed as a positive step towards improving trade and economic cooperation between the two nations.

During his visit, Wharton, who oversees development aid in Africa, will hold bilateral talks with several Rwanda government officials.

"I am looking forward to seeing first-hand the remarkable progress that Rwanda has made over the last twenty years. I am proud that the UK has been able to support Rwanda on this journey -- contributing to its achievement of lifting over 1.5 million people out of poverty in recent years," said Wharton in a statement.

He stated that UK plans to maintain its commitment to support Rwanda and the region for mutual interest between the two parties.

Rwanda is one of 19 African countries that is a member of the Commonwealth.

The UK, through the DFID, is one of Rwanda's largest bilateral development partners and key backers of the country's second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRSII).

Kigali has won international praise over the years for its effective use of aid that has allowed the country to turn around its economy following the 1994 genocide.

UK provides nearly 70 million pounds a year through DFID aimed at economic and social transformation of Rwanda. Endit