President Paul Kagame of Rwanda has highlighted the importance of collaboration and urged for increased opportunities between Saudi Arabia and African nations, saying “together, we are much stronger.”
In his address, at the inaugural Saudi-Africa summit, President Kagame expressed his appreciation for the strong historical ties between Saudi Arabia and Africa, emphasizing that there is immense untapped potential for cooperation that can benefit both regions.
He highlighted the need to seek out new areas of collaboration, particularly in the fields of trade, investment, technology, and education.
Kagame emphasised the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships across various sectors.
President Paul Kagame has emphasised that the Saudi-Africa summit is an opportunity to shift mindsets, collaborate, and find solutions by making the right investments required to get results.
Kagame joined a vast group of African Heads of State including Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Gabonese interim President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani.
The Riyadh meeting held on November 10, brought together leaders from over 50 countries throughout the Middle East and Africa.
Others leaders at the summit are Kenya’s President William Ruto, Mauritius President Prithvirajsing Roopun, Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera, and Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine.
In his remarks, Kagame noted that Saudi Arabia and Africa are united by geographical proximity as well as deep historical and cultural ties, enjoying fast-growing relations.
“Severe economic and political difficulties remain on the horizon around the world. This only highlights the compelling need to come together, bearing in mind the specific challenges occurring within our respective regions at this time.”
While the problems may seem insurmountable, he said, there are always solutions to be found and applied, as it is just a question of mindset, choosing not to be stuck in the past of differences and grievances.
“We must look forward and shape the future we want for our people. That is how we really wish to see the invitation to meet here, as an opportunity to collaborate and find solutions, and make the investments required to get results. Time is not on our side, but together, we are much stronger.”
Kagame emphasized that Africa need to speed up the continental integration process, in order to make more productive engagements with partners like Saudi Arabia.
He said by working together, Saudi Arabia and Africa can create opportunities that would lead to job creation, poverty alleviation, and enhanced living standards for their respective populations.
Rwanda and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement on oil demand sustainability emphasizing economic and environmental efficiency in the gas and oil sectors with key objectives including promoting innovation, environmental friendliness, integrating the petroleum and petrochemical industries, and stimulating demand for hydrocarbon resources.
The two countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations to enable extensive cooperation.
President Kagame emphasized the importance of leveraging shared values and goals, specifically focusing on economic growth, sustainable development, and human capital development.
