Rwanda keen to enhance ties with India: president

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame Wednesday called on President Pranab Mukherjee and said his country was keen to enhance ties with India and broaden bilateral cooperation.

A Rashtrapati Bhavan press release said Mukherjee told his counterpart that India appreciated the "important role" of Rwanda in maintaining peace and security in central Africa and the Horn of Africa region.

Mukherjee expressed happiness that a hydroelectric project supported by India would be commissioned soon.

He said India had supported the expansion of cultivable land in Rwanda and remained committed to supporting development of infrastructure there.

He also said the two countries had common views on many issues.

The statement said Rwanda's president warmly reciprocated Mukherjee's sentiments and recalled the long history of friendship between the two countries.

Kagame appreciated India's positive contribution to Africa and expressed gratefulness for its contribution in his country's development, particularly in agriculture and energy.

"He (Kagame) said the government of Rwanda is keen to enhance relations with India by deepening and broadening bilateral cooperation," the release added.

It said Rwanda shared India's views on many global issues, including the need to reform the UN and other international organisations to reflect current global realities.