Kingston, 15 April 2022 (TDI): The Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, is on a three-day visit to the Caribbean nation of Jamaica.
In his first visit to Jamaica as Rwandan President, Paul Kagame aims to strengthen bilateral ties. The visit comes in the 60th year of Jamaica’s independence. Meanwhile, Rwanda is also celebrating 60 years of independence this year.
Governor-General of Jamaica Sir Patrick Allen, Prime Minister Andrew Holness, and other government officials warmly received the President of Rwanda Paul Kagame.
Jamaican government received the African President with a guard of honor at Norman Manley International Airport. Firstly, Paul Kagame laid a floral tribute at the shrine of Jamaica’s National Hero Marcus Garvey.
Afterward, Paul Kagame addressed a joint sitting of the Jamaican houses of parliament. He recalled the independence struggles of the two countries.
He said, “the power of anniversary comes from an opportunity to remind a generation of the struggles we had before”.
Moreover, he expressed that Africa and the Caribbean should work together in international bodies such as the Commonwealth “where our interests align as they often do.” Paul Kagame signed the visitors’ book at the conclusion of his address.
Jamaican Prime Minister’s Statement
The Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness said in a statement “this visit marks a new stage in our relationship and I look forward in particular to the continued collaboration towards the strengthening of the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Jamaica and Rwanda”.
Furthermore, he acknowledged that both nations have a common interest in forging stronger regional relations. Especially between CARICOM and the African Union.
In addition, he acknowledged Rwanda’s unprecedented socio-economic progress. He congratulated the country on a number of milestones and expressed a willingness to learn from the country.
Moreover, he expressed Jamaica’s intention to cooperate with Rwanda in the fields of culture, health, tourism, agriculture, and ICT.
Rwanda-Jamaica Relations
Rwanda and Jamaica established official diplomatic relations in 1998. Both countries share similar struggles against colonialism. Furthermore, both Jamaica and Rwanda achieved their independence in 1962.
In addition, both countries are part of the Commonwealth of Nations. Jamaica has a sizeable population of Afro-Caribbean people, descendants of Africans brought over by European colonialists.
