Secretary-General meets Rwanda's President Kagame

Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma met Rwanda's President Paul Kagame on Thursday during a landmark visit to the Commonwealth's newest member.

Mr Sharma told President Kagame that Rwanda was warmly admitted to the Commonwealth during the Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). "There was a strong body of support for you."

In a symbolic welcoming of Rwanda to the Commonwealth, Mr. Sharma handed the President the Commonwealth flag.

Mr Sharma also briefed President Kagame on the outcomes of the CHOGM -- such as fresh work to strengthen partnerships, networks and institutions including the use of ICTs to develop a partnership portal; continued work to support vulnerable communities dealing with the impacts of climate change; reinforcement of Commonwealth values and principles; and the creation of a network of election management bodies.

Mr Sharma also spoke of his environmental good offices, where the Commonwealth will assist member countries in capacity building in environment and climate change-related areas in the same way it does through its political good offices in the areas of conflict prevention and promoting political stability.

Earlier on Thursday Mr Sharma held discussions with Rwanda's Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, the head of the Electoral Commission, as well as representatives of the Human Rights Commission, the Ombudman's Office, national council of women, national youth council and the national genocide commission.

Key Links:

• Country Profile: Rwanda
• Kamalesh Sharma