Rwanda’s Paul Kagame in Mozambique seeking wider acceptance for his policies

President Paul Kagame today arrived in Mozambican capital Maputo for a two day state visit to the southern African state.

Kagame was received by Mozambique Minister of Foreign Affairs Oldemiro Baloi and will meet his counterpart President Filipe Nyusi lateri n the  today.

The visit falls within the framework of strengthening bilateral relations, solidarity and cooperation existing between Mozambique and Rwanda. However many see this as a way of Kagame expanding his influence beyond Rwanda borders.

“Many items on bilateral menu: Agriculture and Fisheries, Infrastructure, Justice, etc” Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Louise Mushikiwabo tweeted as Paul Kagame was landing in Mozambique.

A highly anticipated event in this visit is a lecture the president will hold tomorrow on “The Private Sector Contribution to Rwanda’s Economic Development.”  He has used this so called success to continue ruling his country beyond his mandate.

The lecture will be held at Joaquim Chissano International Conference Centre attracting entrepreneurs, academicians, journalists and students,among others.

The president, accompanied by Francois Kanimba, Minister of East African Affairs, Trade and Industries, Min. of Foreign Affairs Louise Mushikiwabo and Francis Gatare the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and cabinet minister, will also visit the Port of Maputo and participate in a talk with Mozambican business community and academicians.

These events are expected to trigger more trade deals between both countries. Rwanda and Mozambique already have Trade and Investment Framework Agreements and are signatories to the Africa Free Trade Zone.

During the two day visit, Kagame will spare time to visit Mozambican Parliament, laying a wreath at the Plaza of Mozambican Heroes.