The president of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, has held productive discussions with Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa and his accompanying delegation at Urugwiro Village, the official residence of the President of Rwanda.
It forms part of Vice President Mesa’s official tour of several African countries, highlighting the importance of bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and Cuba.
Recognizing the significance of these sectors, President Kagame and Vice President Mesa explored opportunities to enhance collaboration and exchange expertise in these fields.
Education has been a key area of cooperation between Rwanda and Cuba, with hundreds of Rwandan students benefiting from scholarships to pursue higher education in Cuban universities.
The leaders discussed ways to expand these educational opportunities and foster academic partnerships that can contribute to the development of Rwanda’s human capital.
In terms of healthcare, Cuba has played a vital role in assisting Rwanda’s efforts to improve its healthcare system. Cuban medical professionals and educators have worked closely with their Rwandan counterparts, successfully implementing various programmes aimed at enhancing healthcare services and sharing knowledge and expertise.
President Kagame and Vice President Mesa also emphasised the importance of mutual support in international forums. The two countries have consistently supported each other on the global stage, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting peace, security, and development.
Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdes is in Rwanda on an official visit in the context of his current tour of the African continent that began on November 14, with Ghana as the first stop.
Early on Monday, November 20, Valdes posted on X (former Twitter) – in Spanish: “Rwanda welcomes us at dawn this Monday with hospitality and respect.
“We appreciate the warm welcome offered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Vincent Biruta, upon our arrival in this African nation.”
At the conclusion of their meeting, President Kagame and Vice President Mesa expressed their satisfaction with the progress achieved in bilateral relations thus far and reiterated their dedication to deepening the cooperation between Rwanda and Cuba. Both leaders emphasised the importance of concrete actions and continued dialogue to explore new avenues for collaboration.
This meeting serves as an important step in fortifying the strong ties between Rwanda and Cuba. By leveraging their shared experiences and expertise, both nations are poised to make significant advancements in education, healthcare, and other fields, thereby contributing to the overall development and prosperity of their respective peoples.