Kagame receives credentials from South Africa, Sweden and Senegal envoys
By Théophile Niyitegeka
President Paul Kagame has today received letters of credence from new envoys accredited to Rwanda including Ms. Johanna Teague of the Kingdom of Sweden, Mr. Mandisi Bongani Mabuto Mpahlwa of the Republic of South Africa, and Mr. Doudou Sow of the Republic of Senegal.
Speaking after presenting letters of credence to President Kagame, they expressed commitment to boost relations and cooperation between their respective countries and Rwanda.
Ms. Johanna Teague, the ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden in Rwanda expressed willingness to strengthen relationship by leveraging existing solid foundation in many areas of interest.
"We have been working together in development cooperation in four areas mainly; the rule of law, inclusive economic growth, climate and environment as well as research cooperation. We also see a lot of interest in Rwanda and in Sweden to strengthen our trade relationship and investment. One of my priorities is to see how I can support that and take it forward," she said.
Among others, South Africa's ambassadorial post to Rwanda has been vacant for two years. In December 2018, South Africa summoned George Nkosinati Twala who was representing South Africa to Rwanda after completing his term. The recalling came two days after tensions triggered by allegations that Rwanda spoke ill of the then South Africa's Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Towards the end of last year, South Africa designated Mandisi Mpahlwa, 60, as the new ambassador to Rwanda.
After presenting letters of credence to President Kagame, Amb. Mpahlwa explained that his presence has a great significance to revitalizing both countries relations.
"South Africa has not had an ambassador for quite some time since my predecessor left and of course there are various reasons. I am pleased that today I have presented credentials to the president and I have expressed positive sentiments to him. It is something that must be a positive signal about the direction of the two countries in terms of developing and continuing to strengthen the relationship between Rwanda and South Africa," he noted.
Mpahlwa has been representing South Africa to Mozambique where he completed his term this year.
Senegal ambassador in Rwanda, Doudou Sow also committed to consolidate gains noting that there are many areas both countries can learn from each other.
"I am very delighted as the first Senegal ambassador with residence in Rwanda. I have conveyed greetings President Paul Kagame from his counterpart Macky Sall and made my commitment to root on existing partnership to take relations to greater heights," he said.
He also highlighted that Senegal can learn from Rwanda's advanced experience in the areas of environment, defense among others to be emulated.
Among others, RwandAir opened flights to Senegal in 2017. Doudou explained that it was a great milestone to connecting both countries' people and expressed optimism for further cooperation.
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