Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen received Letters of Credence from Her Excellency Mrs Valentine Rugwabiza, High Commissioner for the Republic of Rwanda, at King’s House on, Tuesday, September 3.
The High Commissioner expressed pleasure at being her country’s representative and said Jamaica was well known to Rwandans.
=Sir Patrick asked about the move toward a ‘borderless Africa’ and the High Commissioner said that discussions were taking place and instruments had been prepared. Several countries in Central, Southern and Eastern Africa had already signed the Agreement.
The High Commissioner observed that barriers between countries were not in the best interest of regional unity, adding that moving toward open borders was an important step for the African Continent as open borders would mean increased travel and trade.
The Rwandan Government started issuing visas on arrival to Africans in 2013 and since 2018, citizens of all countries have benefitted from the policy, however, some countries in North Africa were hesitant to open their borders fully.
Her Excellency noted that the next Commonwealth Head of Government Conference would take place in Rwanda in 2020.
The High Commissioner, who is Non-resident, is based in New York. The Governor-General invited her to find some time during her visit to explore Jamaica. He said the Custodes in the Parishes would be ready to welcome her and make her visit to the respective Parishes enjoyable.