20091222
allafrica

Kigali — Foreign Affairs Minister Louise Mushikiwabo yesterday presided over the official opening of the newly built premises for Rwanda's High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya.

Now that Rwanda is a member of the Commonwealth, the country's embassies within member states of this grouping will be referred to as "High Commissions."

"I would like to thank the Kenyan government and other friendly countries represented here for the support you gave us to join the Commonwealth," Minister Mushikiwabo who officiated at the opening on the new premises said.

Mushikiwabo said the function manifested existing good relations between the governments of Kenya and Rwanda.

Speaking on the country's newly built High Commission, the minister said this was in line with government's policy of cutting down expenditure that comes along with renting premises for government operations.

While thanking the Kenyan government for their support, the minister noted various other areas of cooperation between the two countries mainly through the Rwanda-Kenya Joint Permanent Commission.

She said a lot had been achieved in collaborations with the sectors of education, agriculture, health, public service, military and police.

"We have also gone further to scrap work permit requirements for professionals from Kenya and Rwanda who wish to work in either country," she said.

"A number of Kenyan companies have opened up businesses in Rwanda and I wish to inform the business community present, that there are still more investment opportunities available in Rwanda."

While in Nairobi, the Minister also met foreign envoys accredited to Rwanda and residing in Nairobi.

Key issues discussed include the country's inclusion in the Commonwealth, and the restoration of diplomatic relations with France as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo.