Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg welcomed Rwanda Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Vincent Biruta to Malta for bilateral talks between the two countries.
During a bilateral meeting in St Julian’s, the two Foreign Ministers discussed several ongoing collaborations between the two countries, including cooperation in education and healthcare, as well as other regional issues of mutual concern.
“Rwanda is a stable political and economic point of reference for Malta in Africa, and we are committed to continue strengthening our cooperation in different sectors. The two countries share important similarities, including a growing economy, strong Commonwealth connections and ease of doing business,” Minister Borg said.
Minister Borg explained that during his 2023 visit, he met Maltese businesses that are expanding their operations in the African continent through their footholds in Rwanda. In this regard, he recalled that the recent MoU between the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, and the Rwanda Private Sector Federation underscores the Maltese business community’s readiness to enhance collaboration with Rwanda. “We look forward to further deepening of these mutually beneficial relationships,” Minister Ian Borg said.
During the meeting, the two ministers discussed several agreements signed between the two countries last year, during Minister Borg’s visit to the Rwanda capital Kigali, for increased cooperation in air services, diplomatic training and tourism and hospitality management.
They also talked about Malta’s role as a member of the United Nations Security Council and Central Africa regional matters.
Referring to the rising hostilities in Sudan, Minister Borg expressed Malta’s support to the regional and international efforts to resolve this conflict and provide humanitarian aid. “We urgently call for an immediate, unconditional and sustainable ceasefire and cessation of hostilities to facilitate political dialogue and a path to peace,” he affirmed.
Rwanda Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta recalled the MoUs on diplomatic training and hospitality which were signed. He said that discussions today were about the implementation of these MoUs and to further explore new avenues of cooperation in other areas. Discussions during today’s bilateral meeting focused also on various issues in different regions around the world, namely, the situation in Africa, the Middle East, Sudan and also the war in Ukraine.
The two Ministers also talked about the importance of the constructive relationship between Rwanda and the EU, with Malta commending the EU’s renewed focus on deepening engagement with Africa. “We look forward to consolidating this holistic, forward-looking engagement, as the basis of important efforts towards addressing climate change, peace and security, health cooperation, and economic development. Supporting initiatives that provide innovative and sustainable solutions is crucial, with a dedicated emphasis on job creation and trade investment,” Minister Borg concluded.
