The President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, was awarded the Amilcar Cabral medal, the highest distinction of the Guinean state, during a short visit he paid to Guinea-Bissau Monday.
“I want to express my deep appreciation and honor to have received the Amílcar Cabral medal. It is a privilege for me, as an African, and also for my country. It reminds us to continue to strengthen unity and prosperity in our two countries,” said Paul Kagame, whose visit to Guinea-Bissau was scheduled for Sunday but was eventually postponed until Monday.
The Rwandan head of state was speaking at the Guinean Presidency during a joint statement with Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló after a meeting.
The Rwandan President also said he had a productive meeting with Umaro Sissoco Embaló, during which cooperation between the two countries was discussed and the need for it to be built on “solid foundations.”
“As in the rest of Africa, the most important resource that Rwanda and Guinea-Bissau have is their youth. We must create an enabling environment for our youth to achieve their goals,” he said.
The President of Guinea-Bissau thanked Paul Kagame for the efforts he “has made for Africa” and for the “considerable support he has given to Guinea-Bissau.”
Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who visited Rwanda last year, also stressed that President Paul Kagame’s visit also highlighted the work for regional stability represents an “important and remarkable step” in strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
The Rwandan head of state arrived in Bissau late in the morning and went to the Amura fortress, where he laid a wreath at the mausoleum of Amilcar Cabral.
The two countries also signed agreements on cooperation in trade and visa exemption.