British Minister for Africa visits Rwanda
James Duddridge, UK Minister for Africa, visited Rwanda on 16 December, to discuss Burundi and the deepening UK-Rwanda relationship.
James Duddridge, British Minister for Africa, visited Rwanda on 16 December 2015 as part of a four day regional visit. Mr Duddridge met with Foreign Minister Mushikiwabo.
At the top of the agenda was the deteriorating political and security situation in Burundi which was being closely followed in capitals across the world. It was agreed that dialogue was the best solution to bring the situation to a sustainable and peaceful resolution. The Minister expressed the UK, and the wider international community’s, concerns for regional stability should the situation in Burundi continue to deteriorate.
The Minister also praised Rwanda’s progress since the genocide in tackling poverty and creating growth. He highlighted the opportunities available to deepen commercial ties and welcomed the start of regular UK-Rwanda annual bilateral talks early in 2016.
Before departing for Burundi the Minister said:
I am glad to have had the opportunity to visit Rwanda for the first time as Minister for Africa. I am looking forward to working together with the government on finding a negotiated solution to the Burundi crisis, and on boosting commercial ties between the UK and Rwanda
Further Information:
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Mr Duddridge’s biography and photograph are available online
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Mr Duddridge visited Uganda and Burundi as well as Rwanda. The press release for the Uganda leg is available online