PM Modi's Rwanda visit will give 'big boost' to ties: Rwanda Senate Prez

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Rwanda later this month, the first by an Indian premier, will be a "big boost" for bilateral ties, the president of the country's Senate said today.

Modi's visit to Rwanda has not been announced officially, but it is understood that he would visit the country when he travels to the African continent later this month to attend the BRICS summit in South Africa from July 25-27.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is also likely to visit the east African country this month.

Describing the visits of Modi and Xi as "very important", Rwanda Senate President Bernard Makuza said there was "no conflict" in having relations based on mutual interest with both the Asian giants.

Makuza, the country's former premier, said Modi's visit to Rwanda will be a "big boost" for bilateral ties and underlined that his country was seeking collaboration with India in sectors such as agriculture and energy.

Asked how Rwanda looks to balance its ties with China and India as both the Asian giants vie for the leadership of developing countries, Makuza said it was very easy to maintain a balance as Rwanda respects relations with both the nations.

"At the end of this month, in Rwanda, we have very important visits by Prime Minister of India and the President of China," Makuza said at a talk organised here by the think-tank Observer Research Foundation.

"(There is) no conflict in our view (in maintaining ties with both)... We are for international relations based on mutual interest," he said.

Makuza, who is here on an official visit on the invitation of Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, also said that India and Rwanda would "very soon" sign a double taxation avoidance agreement.

He, however, did not confirm if it would be inked during Modi's visit to Rwanda.

"An initial draft of the document has already been shared between the two governments. At the right time, it will be announced," an official of the Rwandan High Commission here said.

Makuza, while talking about Prime Minister Modi's visit, said, it will "boost the relationship".

"I know him, when he was in Gujarat, he is somebody who wants to deliver... Most likely some agreements will be signed during the visit and it will be a big boost for bilateral ties," he said.

Rwanda is committed to engage with the international community to contribute meaningfully to regional and global cooperation for maintaining peace, security and stability, Makuza said.

"Rwanda looks forward to a growing partnership with India in sectors such as agriculture modernisation, irrigation, energy, investment, industrial parks, education, and health. Our government has put in place some measures to encourage private sector investment," he said.