President Paul Kagame has emphasized that the Saudi-Africa summit is an opportunity to shift mindsets, collaborate and find solutions by making the right investments required to get results.
He was speaking at the inaugural Saudi-Africa Summit in Riyadh, on November 10, which brought together leaders from over 50 countries throughout the Middle East and Africa.
"The problems we are facing may seem insurmountable, but there are always solutions to be found and applied. It is a question of mindset. We cannot remain stuck in the past, focused on differences and grievances. We must look forward, and shape the future we want for our people.... pic.twitter.com/DazUvqOhuS-- Presidency | Rwanda (@UrugwiroVillage) November 10, 2023
Kagame joined a vast group of African Heads of State including Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Gabonese interim President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani.
Others are Kenya's President William Ruto, Mauritius President Prithvirajsing Roopun, Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera, and Niger's Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine.
In his remarks, Kagame noted that Saudi Arabia and Africa are united by geographical proximity as well as deep historical and cultural ties, enjoying fast-growing relations.
"Severe economic and political difficulties remain on the horizon around the world. This only highlights the compelling need to come together, bearing in mind the specific challenges occurring within our respective regions at this time."
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While the problems may seem insurmountable, he said, there are always solutions to be found and applied, as it is just a question of mindset, choosing not to be stuck in the past of differences and grievances.
"We must look forward and shape the future we want for our people. That is how we really wish to see the invitation to meet here, as an opportunity to collaborate and find solutions, and make the investments required to get results. Time is not on our side, but together, we are much stronger."
Kagame emphasized that Africa need to speed up the continental integration process, in order to make more productive engagements with partners like Saudi Arabia.
Rwanda and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement on oil demand sustainability emphasizing economic and environmental efficiency in the gas and oil sectors with key objectives including promoting innovation, environmental friendliness, integrating the petroleum and petrochemical industries, and stimulating demand for hydrocarbon resources.
The two countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations to enable extensive cooperation.
