Minister Louise Mushikiwabo meets the Acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Donald Yamamoto who is in Rwanda for a two-day visit, from 13 to 14 December.
His visit aims at discussing the African Union reforms, Rwanda’s ahead Presidency of the African Union next year, and explore potential U.S. partnerships, especially with regard to the reform process as well.
It is within this framework today Donald Yamamoto and Minister Louise Mushikiwabo discussed about the need to step up the Rwanda- US partnership in the area of Peace and Security, promoting the Kigali Principles on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflicts and trade and investment.
Speaking during the meeting, Minister Louise Mushikiwabo expressed her gratitude to the United States for its valuable contribution to Rwanda’s development, especially in the Defense, Health (PEPFAR), and Education sectors.
“The U.S. and Rwanda’s partnerships in Peace and Security have continued to grow, especially in peacekeeping operations. We look forward to enhancing and promoting further cooperation in this area. Rwanda looks forward to engaging with the US on potential partnerships both in Rwanda and at the African Union” Said Minister MUshikiwabo
Regarding Rwanda-US partnership in trade and investment, Minister Louise Mushikiwabo said that Rwanda and US can work together to come to an amicable solution in relation to African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the ban of second hand clothing as the U.S. is one of Rwanda’s leading trade and investment partners
The U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Amb. Donald Yamamoto Amb. Yamamoto expressed the U.S.’s interest in enhancing and promoting security cooperation.
Rwanda- US Cooperation is focused on the defence and security, health, rural economic growth, food security, governance and education sectors. The U.S. is one of Rwanda’s leading trade and investment partners. Between 2010-2017, Fifty (50) U.S. companies were registered in Rwanda, with investments totalling USD 540 million mainly in tea, coffee, mining, water treatment, banking, franchising and smallholdings in services, manufacturing and energy that constitutes 42% (USD 226 million) of total U.S. investments.
