{UAH} Bad news for Kayumba and Co: Senator: "U.S Doesn't Have a Better Friend Than Kagame" -

The U.S has been a strong ally of President Kagame's government since the end of genocide in 1994.

However, international media reports last year indicated that relations between the two countries had soured over the alleged involvement of Rwanda in the DRC conflict.

U.S suspended a portion of its military aid to Rwanda during the peak of the M23 rebellion in Congo, confirming critics' views that Washington's foreign policy towards Kigali had taken a dramatic twist.

However, U.S Senators and Congressmen led by Senator James Inhofe, who were on a three-day visit to Rwanda this week, told Kagame that he is the closest friend the U.S has.

Speaking to the Press after meeting President Kagame at his Village Urugwiro office, Senator James Inhofe said: "I speak on behalf many fellow Senators; the USA doesn't have a better friend than Kagame."

He added: "We have been to the countryside and the transformation of this country is incredible. You can't see it in other countries. We commend Rwanda's role in peace building and peace creation in the region; in South Sudan, and especially in the Central African Republic."

 

Inhofe further stressed that President Kagame has shown a model of leadership in sub-Saharan African countries.

 

"We have been and we will continue to be his [Paul Kagame] good friends."

 

During their trip, the U.S delegation met with the Ministers of Defence and Trade as well as Officials from the Office of the Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs.

The Minister of Defence, Gen James Kabarebe briefed the delegation on Peace and Security in the Great Lakes in general and in the Central African Republic, in particular.Gen. James Kabarebe also highlighted Rwanda's position in peacekeeping around the continent especially in Central African Republic, Sudan and South Sudan.

 

"Rwanda's contribution is not only to peacekeeping but also to the reconciliation and long term stability in these countries.  We thank US and urge them to continue the support to the African Union to tackle issues on the continent, " said Gen Kabarebe.

 

He further briefed the delegation on the situation in Eastern DRC saying that the defeat of M23 did not bring stability in the region since there are still other armed groups including FDRL killing people as well as Congolese refugees who are not yet repatriated.

 

 "The situation in Eastern DRC has improved but still fragile. Silencing guns is one thing but stability is another thing. Rwanda values peace in the region because it is an important pillar to our socio-economic development," said Gen. Kabarebe

 

Regarding investment and bilateral trade, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Francois Kanimba reiterated some positive trends of exports between Rwanda and US. 

 

For the mining sector, Minister Kanimba called the US congress to help engaging US companies, given that Rwanda was the first country in the region to meet the traceability requirements.

 

The delegation was also updated on Rwanda's efforts to promote local small and medium enterprises as key factor of the country's economic growth and creation of jobs.

 ...

The delegation also discussed the prospects to increase trade between Rwanda and the US with the Minister of Trade.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mary Baine said President Kagame and the US delegation had fruitful discussions which dwelt mainly on Rwanda's role in contributing to peace in the region, especially the Central African Republic.

 

She said that the President and the delegation also discussed current programs between the US and Rwanda ranging from trade and development of SMEs. 

 

By the end of the meeting, the US delegation pledged advocacy on continued and fruitful cooperation.

- See more at: http://chimpreports.com/index.php/regional-news/rwanda/16373-senator-u-s-doesn-t-have-a-better-friend-than-kagame.html#sthash.9ywlixg0.dpuf

--

*A positive mind is a courageous mind, without doubts and fears, using the experience and wisdom to give the best of him/herself.

 

 We must dare invent the future!
The only way of limiting the usurpation of power by
 individuals, the military or otherwise, is to put the people in charge  - Capt. Thomas. Sankara {RIP} '1949-1987

 *"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent

revolution inevitable"**…  *J.F Kennedy