Paul Kagame meets Gabon’s Ondimba to boost bilateral relations, lauds AfCFTA’s progress

President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame has paid a visit to Gabon’s capital, Libreville with an aim to discuss the strengthening of the bilateral relations with his Gabonese counterpart Ali Bongo Ondimba.

Rwanda’s Head of State, Paul Kagame met Gabon’s President, Ali Bongo Ondimba at Palais de la Renovation in the capital Libreville. He said that he was happy to be in Gabon and his meeting with his counterpart will strengthen bilateral relations between two countries. He also said that part of his visit to the central African country was to check on his counterpart who has been ill.

“I am glad that there is significant improvement to his health that has led to the resumption of his responsibilities. In the African way, we visit friends when it is good times and when it is not so good times. Gabon has been central to African interests, vision and the strategy to achieve that vision. President Bongo has been very active working with other leaders on our continent to make sure we raise our level of development,” Paul Kagame cited, as reported by The New Times.

“I am happy to find time to be here in Gabon and continue on the path of strengthening our bilateral relation between Gabon and Rwanda. It gives me an opportunity to visit with my colleague who has not been feeling well. I am glad that there is significant improvement to his health that has led to the resumption of his responsibilities. In an African way, we visit friends when it is good times and when it is not so good times,” Paul Kagame spoke to the press.

On the other hand, Rwanda’s President Kagame also commented on African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) that came into effect early in June. He said that there has been significant progress since its inception. “We have reached the number of countries required to ratify for the agreement to take effect. Even the others who have not ratified, it’s not because they are not interested or don’t see the necessity. It is just because they have difficulties, whether legal or technical, they need to overcome before they participate,” he cited.

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