President Paul Kagame has said that relations between Rwanda and Botswana go beyond friendship, emphasizing that they are anchored in a shared vision of development and transformation.
He made the remarks in Gaborone, where he is on a two-day working visit and was received by Botswana President Duma Boko.
President Kagame expressed appreciation for the warm reception, noting that Rwandans feel at home in Botswana.
He stressed that the strength of bilateral relations lies in a common purpose rather than sentiment alone, underscoring that both countries are focused on delivering tangible development outcomes for their citizens.
According to him, effective cooperation between nations depends on political will and commitment, which can translate into practical benefits for populations.
President Kagame further noted that cooperation between Rwanda and Botswana continues to expand across key sectors, including justice, security, and economic development, particularly trade and investment.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration and remove barriers that hinder cross-border movement and business.
During the visit, Rwanda and Botswana signed agreements covering air transport cooperation, visa exemption arrangements, and the elimination of double taxation on cross-border trade, aimed at facilitating mobility and boosting economic exchange.
President Kagame also commended Botswana’s governance, particularly its management of natural resources such as diamonds, describing it as an example of how effective leadership can transform national wealth into public benefit.
He emphasized that the true measure of such agreements will be their impact on citizens’ livelihoods, noting that development cooperation must translate into visible improvements in people’s lives.
He reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties to ensure they deliver meaningful and lasting results for both countries.
