By John Ikani
Rwanda and Mali took a significant step towards strengthened collaboration on Monday, May 27th, through a Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) meeting held in Kigali.
The high-level talks, led by the respective Foreign Ministers, Vincent Biruta of Rwanda and Abdoulaye Diop of Mali, focused on charting a course for increased trade and cooperation across various sectors.
The meeting yielded a remarkable outcome, with the signing of nineteen agreements.
The agreements encompass a broad range of areas, including defence, security, justice, healthcare, mineral resources, oil and gas exploration, agriculture, fisheries, environmental concerns, and climate change initiatives.
In addition, agreements were reached on matters pertaining to citizenship, cultural exchange, tourism promotion, higher education collaboration, improved transportation networks, national reconciliation efforts, and the free movement of both people and goods.
The JPC meeting represents a significant development, building upon the commitment established during a UN General Assembly side meeting held last year in New York.
The agreement reached at that time paved the way for the establishment of the Grand Mixed Commission of Cooperation, further solidifying the partnership between the two nations.
Notably, this marks the first major commission or agreement signed between Rwanda and Mali since the opening of the Malian embassy in Rwanda back in 2017.
Both ministers expressed optimism for the future of the strengthened bilateral relationship.
Minister Biruta highlighted the shared goals of economic advancement, enhanced cooperation, and continental solidarity.
He emphasized the commitment to a development model built on mutual respect, thriving trade, and a collaborative spirit that prioritizes inclusivity and sustainability.
Biruta further noted additional agreements in the pipeline, including those related to non-taxation, preventing tax evasion, accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and fostering cooperation in the field of sports.
Echoing Biruta’s sentiment, Minister Diop underscored the importance of fostering solidarity between African nations.
He emphasized the need for “mutual learning” and a stronger focus on shared interests within the continent, stating that “what binds us together is extremely more important than what binds us to any other partners outside our continent.”
