Singapore (CU)_ According to Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Rwanda demonstrates outstanding resolve, innovation, and resiliency, particularly in its management of the Coronavirus outbreak. In a Facebook message shared on his page following his return to Singapore, Loong reaffirmed his commitment to increased exchanges between Singapore and Rwanda which aim at strengthening ties between the two nations and their citizens.
The Prime Minister traveled to Rwanda to take part in the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and stayed an additional two days to pay a state visit. His Facebook post read, “Like Singapore, Rwanda is a small state that has shown great resolve, ingenuity and resilience, most recently in managing the Covid-19 pandemic”. He added, “Although Singapore and Rwanda are on different continents, we have much in common. I look forward to more exchanges between our countries, and further deepening bilateral relations”.
At a joint press meet with President Kagame, Loong revealed a three-year Singapore-Africa Partnership (SCP) Package that would provide training to African government officials on booming subjects such as smart cities, climate change, sustainability, and digitalization. The Prime Minister stated, “We will also offer postgraduate scholarships for senior African officials in Singaporean universities. I am particularly glad to be able to announce the launch of this technical cooperation package in Rwanda. Rwandan officials have actively participated in SCP courses over the years. And we look forward to Rwanda’s and Africa’s continued participation in the SCP”.
Loong remarked this regarding the collaboration between the two countries. He said, “Despite the challenges of Covid-19, our two countries continue to cooperate actively. Our people-to-people ties have remained strong. Leaders and officials have kept up the tempo of engagements”. He added, “Both the President and I are committed to advancing our bilateral partnership. We have established good collaboration, including making new initiatives in the digital economy, fintech and even judicial cooperation.”
The purpose of the new project is to increase Singapore’s technical support to the continent. According to the PM, over 12,000 African officials, including a significant number from Rwanda, have participated in SCP seminars over the past three decades. Further, Rwanda and Singapore maintain a close relationship on the international front, and Loong underlined the fact that both countries are members of the Forum of Small Nations at the United Nations and that they collaborate closely to enhance the interests of small states while also strengthening the multilateral system.
