King, Rwanda president hold talks in Kigali

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah and Rwanda President Paul Kagame agreed on Sunday to expand bilateral cooperation in the political, economic and defence fields, as well as in countering terrorism.

During a meeting in Kigali, the two leaders expressed their keenness to bolster relations between Jordan and Rwanda, stressing the importance of building on ties in service of mutual interests, according to a Royal Court statement.

At the meeting, attended by HRH Prince Ghazi Bin Muhammad, His Majesty’s chief adviser for religious and cultural affairs and personal envoy, His Majesty praised the comprehensive development Rwanda is witnessing, which has turned it into an example of rapid advancement among African countries.

For his part, President Kagame commended Jordan’s pivotal role in the Middle East and its efforts to achieve peace and stability.

His Majesty and President Kagame witnessed the signing of an agreement on cooperation in the field of health and medical science, two memoranda of understanding on economic, trade and agricultural cooperation, and an agreement for the elimination of double taxation on income and the prevention of tax evasion and avoidance.

The two sides stressed the importance of maintaining coordination and consultation on various issues of mutual concern, especially the fight against terrorism within a holistic approach, and efforts to enhance international peace and security.

The King noted the important partnership with Rwanda within the framework of the Aqaba Process, thanking Rwanda for hosting a round of the initiative’s meetings at the end of last year.

President Kagame lauded Jordan’s ongoing efforts through the Aqaba Process to coordinate the international fight against terrorism.

The meeting also covered recent developments in the Middle East, especially the dangerous situation in Gaza as a result of the ongoing Israeli war, and the tragic humanitarian crisis in the Strip.

His Majesty reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the protection of civilians, and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid to the Strip.

The King thanked Rwanda for its contribution to the humanitarian response in Gaza by sending a plane carrying humanitarian aid.

His Majesty warned that the repercussions of the continuation of the war on Gaza will be disastrous for everyone, noting the need for international pressure to stop the hostilities.

The King reaffirmed Jordan’s rejection of the forced displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, warning of the acts of violence carried out by extremist settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank.

His Majesty reiterated that there will be no stability in the Middle East without a just solution to the Palestinian issue, and just and comprehensive peace on the basis of the two-state solution that restores the full legitimate rights of the Palestinians.

Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, General Intelligence Department Director Maj. Gen. Ahmad Husni, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply Yousef Shamali, and a number of senior Rwandan officials attended the talks.