20 February 2024
The newly accredited High Commissioner-designate of the Republic of Rwanda to the Republic of Seychelles, Ms. Fatou Harerimana has stated that both the Indian Ocean island nation and the East African nation will continue working in the areas of health, tourism, and agriculture. According to a report by Seychelles News Agency, the new high commissioner presented her credentials to President Wavel Ramkalawan of Seychelles at the State House in Victoria, Mahe on Tuesday.
State House said that Ramkalawan congratulated the new high commissioner and said that her accreditation reflects the strong commitment between Seychelles and Rwanda and this will further cement the two countries’ bilateral relations and elevate cooperation to new heights.
Discussion between Ramkalawan and Harerimana touched on the ongoing memoranda of understanding (MoU) signed between Seychelles and Rwanda in the state visit of the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, to Seychelles in June 2023. The agreements were in the health, agriculture, tourism and investment sectors, as well as defence and security, and a visa waiver between the two countries.
Harerimana told reporters that the implementation of the agreements has started. “We have to look forward and we have many things to do and today I talked to the President about the MoUs and the way forward and what we can do,” she said.
Earlier on Monday 19th February 2024, Ms. Harerimana, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, at Maison Quéau de Quinssy.
Minister Radegonde conveyed the Seychelles Government’s gratitude for the invaluable support and solidarity extended by Rwanda following the disaster on the 7th December 2023. “Your country’s generous donation of USD 300,000 will assist in our recovery process as we rebuild our infrastructures following these tragic incidents” he stated.
During their meeting, the Minister also highlighted that Seychelles and Rwanda have had fruitful interactions and dialogues as members of the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Commonwealth, and La Francophonie. “We remain confident that our two countries will continue to work together on these platforms and strengthen our positions for the progress of the African continent and the global community,” he added.
Harerimana also called on Vice President Ahmed Afif on Tuesday. During her visit to Seychelles, she will also call on the Speaker of the National Assembly, Roger Mancienne, ministers and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. Harerimana, who will be based in Dar Es Salam, Tanzania, succeeds Major General Charles Karamba. Seychelles, a group of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean, and Rwanda established diplomatic relations on October 5, 2010.
