Egypt’s FM delivers President Sisi’ message to Rwandan leader

CAIRO – 13 August 2024: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Egyptians Abroad Badr Abdelatty met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali during the first’s visit to attend the President's inauguration ceremony.

The meeting was attended by Rwandan Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Health, Ambassador Nermin El-Zawahry, the Egyptian Ambassador to Kigali, and renowned heart surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub.

Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, said that Abdelatty began by delivering a written message from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to the Rwandan President.  The message addressed ways to enhance fraternal bilateral relations between Egypt and Rwanda, conveyed congratulations on President Kagame's recent electoral victory, and expressed Egypt's commitment to strengthening and upgrading the relationship to benefit both nations.

During the meeting, Minister Abdelatty reviewed key aspects of his visit, including productive discussions and the signing of significant cooperation agreements aimed at boosting trade and investment. Notably, an Egyptian logistics zone will be established on the Rwanda-Tanzania border, facilitating trade exchange. A memorandum of understanding was also signed for cooperation in the medical field.

The spokesperson added that Minister Abdelatty emphasized Egypt's commitment to completing the Magdi Yacoub Rwanda-Egypt Heart Center project, which symbolizes Egyptian-Rwandan medical collaboration. This project is crucial for providing high-quality treatment to Rwandans and neighboring regional countries. Additionally, the Minister highlighted Egypt's readiness to share expertise and experience across various sectors.

President Kagame expressed his appreciation for the longstanding friendship between the two countries and underscored the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations. He thanked the Egyptian government and Professor Magdi Yacoub for their role in establishing the Heart Center and conveyed his greetings and gratitude to President El-Sisi. President Kagame expressed confidence that the relationship between the two countries would continue to grow.

The meeting also covered regional issues of mutual interest, including the Nile water dispute. Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to cooperation, mutual interests, and the avoidance of harm to downstream countries. He also thanked Rwanda for its stance on the Gaza crisis and advocated for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid access. The situation in Sudan was discussed, with Abdelatty stressing the need for collaborative efforts to resolve the crisis.

Sir Magdi Yacoub updated President Kagame on the Heart Center's development and its goal of providing exceptional medical services to Rwanda and the surrounding region, which was well received by the Rwandan President.