President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Paul Kagame on Wednesday agreed to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda through renewed diplomatic engagements, expanded trade cooperation and the activation of pending agreements between both countries.
The two leaders reached the understanding during a meeting at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa shortly after President Tinubu arrived in Kigali for the Africa CEO Forum scheduled to begin on Thursday.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, both leaders stressed the need to revive the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission originally signed by Nigeria and Rwanda in 2021 as a platform for advancing shared interests between the two countries.
The presidents also agreed that Nigeria would host the next meeting of the commission as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic cooperation.
The renewed engagement comes amid increasing efforts by African countries to strengthen regional integration, intra-African trade and economic partnerships under continental frameworks designed to boost development and connectivity across the continent.
As part of moves to improve people-to-people relations, President Tinubu stated that Nigeria would seriously consider reciprocating Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free policy for Nigerians in the spirit of Pan-Africanism.
The meeting also reviewed pending Memoranda of Understanding between both countries covering tourism, illicit drugs and anti-corruption, with the two leaders expressing commitment to activating the agreements.
According to the statement, the discussions reflected President Tinubu’s commitment to inter-African integration, mutual respect and shared prosperity across Africa.
The two presidents also exchanged ideas on operationalising the African Continental Free Trade Area between Nigeria and Rwanda, reaffirming their support for the continental trade framework.
In the area of aviation and regional commerce, Nigeria is opening discussions with RwandAir to facilitate greater export opportunities for Nigerian businesses across Africa.
The initiative follows Nigeria’s establishment of an air cargo corridor with Uganda Airlines last year aimed at boosting intra-African trade and improving the movement of goods across the continent.
President Tinubu is in Kigali to participate in the 13th edition of the Africa CEO Forum, which brings together African leaders, investors and business executives to discuss economic transformation, investment opportunities and regional integration across Africa.
