- At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E. Paul Kagame, Prime Minister of India, H. E. Shri Narendra Modi undertook a State visit to the Republic of Rwanda from 23-24th July 2018. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation including senior officials of the Government of India. A large business delegation from India was also present for the visit. This was the first ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Rwanda.
- President Paul Kagame visited India in 2017 on Official visit and to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat and in 2018 for the Founding Conference of International Solar Alliance respectively. The Vice President of India visited Rwanda in 2017.
- Prime Minister Modi was accorded ceremonial welcome on arrival. During the visit, he held bilateral discussions with H.E. President Paul Kagame at the State House, Kigali on Monday, 23rd July, 2018. A state Banquet was hosted in Honour of PM by the President.
- Prime Minister’s programme included bilateral delegation level talks, interaction with the Indian community and addressing a business event jointly organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (FICCI) and Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Prime Minister also visited the Gisozi Genocide Memorial and laid a wreath on the memorial of victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi . On 24th July, the Prime Minister participated in an event in Rweru Model village outside Kigali under ‘Girinka programme’, a social protection scheme of one cow - one family and gifted cows as a contribution from India to the Scheme. This gesture was greatly appreciated
- During the talks, both leaders reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and expressed satisfaction at the excellent relations between Rwanda and India in the overall context of Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the fact that Rwanda was the first of the new resident Indian Missions to be opened in Africa in 2018, underlining the importance attached by India to its relations with Rwanda. President Paul Kagame welcomed this development. Recalling the recent visit of President Kagame to India to participate in the Founding Conference of International Solar Alliance in March 2018, Prime Minister Modi appreciated speedy signing and ratification of ISA Treaty by Rwanda. He also expressed admiration for the remarkable growth and transformation of Rwanda under the leadership of President Kagame. Prime Minister Modi complemented President Kagame for the important role played by him as African Union Chair in finalizing the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement that has been signed by 44 countries. He expressed hope that his leadership will guide the African Union in furthering economic integration of the Continent. He indicated India’s willingness to continue to strengthen relations with African Union.
- President Kagame thanked India for the robust Development Cooperation with Rwanda and, indeed, with other African countries. Rwanda has benefitted from projects implemented under the Indian Lines of Credit through EXIM Bank, of nearly $ 400 million (Hydropower, Agriculture, Skill Development, Infrastructure), several grant projects (VTC, Solar Electrification) and from training and scholarship programs (ITEC, ICCR, IAFS). He also expressed desire to replicate some of India’s initiatives for Digital Inclusion in Rwanda. He commended India’s leadership in spearheading the establishment of the International Solar Alliance.
- Prime Minister announced the setting up of a Task Force in the field of digital education including the provision of an e-library. This was appreciated by President Kagame, in view of the benefits it would bring to the education sector of Rwanda.
- Prime Minister suggested long-term business visa and work permit for Indians and President Kagame assured that he would look into the matter to facilitate easier travel for Indian investors to Rwanda.
- Following the talks, both leaders:
- Reiterated their commitment to increase bilateral trade and investment;
- Agreed to encourage greater people to people exchanges;
- Agreed to strengthen cooperation in the area of UN Peacekeeping as two large contributors of UNPKF in Africa,
- Agreed to consider exploring cooperation in the energy sector,
- Agreed to enhance cooperation in the health and education sectors; and
- Decided to share experience and expertise in promotion of tourism
- Both leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed that there can be no justification for any act of terrorism, irrespective of motivations, wherever and by whosoever committed. In this context, both leaders underlined their shared concerns on the menace of cross-border terrorism and stressed the importance of international efforts to prevent and fight terrorism.
- The leaders reiterated their commitment to intensify their cooperation in the United Nations and other multilateral Institutions in order to address current global challenges such as climate change and to foster international and regional peace and security, sustainable development.
- The following MoUs/Agreements were signed during the visit:
- MoU on Defence Co-operation.
- Bilateral Trade Agreement.
- MoU on Dairy Co-operation between ICAR (National Dairy Research Institute), India and Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, Kigali.
- MoUbetween Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), India and National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA), Rwanda.
- MoU on Cultural Exchange
- Amendment to the MoU on Cooperation in Agriculture and Animal Resources
- LoC agreements of US$ 100 million for development of Industrial Parks and expansion of Kigali SEZ.
- LoC agreements of US $ 100 million for financing components of its Agriculture Project Schemes.
- During the Visit, Prime Minister Modi made the following announcements:
- Gifting of US $200, 000 to Rwanda to support the Girinka Programme of Government of Rwanda.
- Gifting of 100,000 books of the National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) and to provide support for digitalization and online access of education books and related learning material.
- Setting up of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Kigali which would provide training to youth of Rwanda for enhancing their skills in a variety of sectors.
- Fully funded 25 slots for short term- training in the field of Dairy production and processing.
- Contribution of US $10,000 each to the Gisozi Genocide Memorial in Kigali and the Imbuto Foundation run by the First Lady of Rwanda towards the Foundation for the education of the girl child.
- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi thanked President Mr. Paul Kagame for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the stay in Rwanda and invited President Kagame to visit India.
Published By : Admin |
July 24, 2018 | 23:45 IST
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PM to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of projects worth around Rs. 15,600 crore in Assam
PM to inaugurate New Terminal Building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati
Spread over nearly 1.4 lakh square metres, New Terminal Building is designed to handle up to 1.3 crore passengers annually
New Terminal Building draws inspiration from Assam’s biodiversity and cultural heritage under the theme “Bamboo Orchids”
PM to perform Bhoomipujan for Ammonia-Urea Fertilizer Project of Assam Valley Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited at Namrup in Dibrugarh
Project to be built with an estimated investment of over Rs. 10,600 crore and help meet fertilizer requirements of Assam & neighbouring states and reduce import dependence
PM to pay tribute to martyrs at Swahid Smarak Kshetra in Boragaon, Guwahati
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will undertake a visit to Assam on 20-21 December. On 20th December, at around 3 PM, Prime Minister will reach Guwahati, where he will undertake a walkthrough and inaugurate the New Terminal Building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.
On 21st December, at around 9:45 AM, Prime Minister will pay tribute to martyrs at Swahid Smarak Kshetra in Boragaon, Guwahati. After that, he will travel to Namrup in Dibrugarh, Assam, where he will perform Bhoomi Pujan for the Ammonia-Urea Project of Assam Valley Fertilizer and Chemical Company Ltd. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.
On 20th December, Prime Minister will inaugurate the new terminal building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati, marking a transformative milestone in Assam’s connectivity, economic expansion and global engagement.
The newly completed Integrated New Terminal Building, spread over nearly 1.4 lakh square metres, is designed to handle up to 1.3 crore passengers annually, supported by major upgrades to the runway, airfield systems, aprons and taxiways.
India’s first nature-themed airport terminal, the airport’s design draws inspiration from Assam’s biodiversity and cultural heritage under the theme “Bamboo Orchids”. The terminal makes pioneering use of about 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced Northeast bamboo, complemented by Kaziranga-inspired green landscapes, japi motifs, the iconic rhino symbol and 57 orchid-inspired columns reflecting the Kopou flower. A unique “Sky Forest”, featuring nearly one lakh plants of indigenous species, offers arriving passengers an immersive, forest-like experience.
The terminal sets new benchmarks in passenger convenience and digital innovation. Features such as full-body scanners for fast, non-intrusive security screening, DigiYatra-enabled contactless travel, automated baggage handling, fast-track immigration and AI-driven airport operations ensure seamless, secure and efficient journeys.
On 21st December morning before heading to Namrup, Prime Minister will also visit the Swahid Smarak Kshetra to pay homage to the martyrs of the historic Assam Movement, a six-year-long people’s movement that embodied the collective resolve for a foreigner-free Assam and the protection of the State’s identity.
Later in the day, Prime Minister will perform Bhoomipujan of the new brownfield Ammonia-Urea Fertilizer Project at Namrup, in Dibrugarh, Assam, within the existing premises of Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL).
Furthering Prime Minister’s vision of Farmers’ Welfare, the project, with an estimated investment of over Rs. 10,600 crore, will meet fertilizer requirements of Assam and neighbouring states, reduce import dependence, generate substantial employment and catalyse regional economic development. It stands as a cornerstone of industrial revival and farmer welfare.
Posted via www.narendramodi.in