PHOTOS: President Kagame attends Russia-Africa Economic Forum

On Wednesday in Sochi, President Paul Kagame joined host Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as attending African Heads of State and Government at the opening of the Russia-Africa Economic Forum attended by Russian and African officials and business communities.

This is the first time such a Forum has been held.

President Kagame is attending the Forum along with 46 other African Heads of State and Government, with all African Governments having sent representatives.

Up to 3,000 Leaders in different capacities are participating.

With the main theme of ‘Uncovering the Potential for Cooperation’, the Forum seeks to look at Sectors like Trade and Investment, Peace and Security and African long term development.

On his part, the current Chairman of the African Union said Africa desires to work closely with Russia in order to boost development.

President Paul Kagame also met and held discussions with South Africa's President on the sidelines of the Forum and in his capacity as the Chair of the East African Community, participated in a Working Lunch with Russian President Vladimir Putin together with other chairs of regional economic communities across Africa.

Cooperation agreements were also signed between Russia's State Geological Company ROSGEO and Rwanda's Mines, Petroleum & Gas Board and calls were made for greater investment in Rwanda by Russia's business community.

Bilateral Relations between the Republic of Rwanda and the Russian Federation have existed for the past 56 years and in June last year President Vladimir Putin received President Paul Kagame in the Kremlin where the two leaders held discussions on how to further strengthen those ties.

As a result of Rwandan - Russian Cooperation, a Center for Nuclear Science and Technology is to be established in Rwanda, with Nuclear Power to be harnessed for peaceful purposes in different Sectors including Health.

Photos by Village Urugwiro