President Paul Kagame(R) and outgoing British High Commissioner to Rwanda William Gelling
President Paul Kagame received William Gelling, the outgoing UK Envoy to Rwanda who called on him to bid farewell as he concludes his mission to Rwanda.
Gelling was appointed British High Commissioner to Rwanda in January 2014.
Four years later – in November last year, the British government replaced Gelling by Joanne Lomas as the new High Commissioner to Rwanda and Non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Burundi.
After meeting President Kagame at Village Urugwiro on Thursday, Gelling said his four year as High Commissioner in Rwanda was impressive.
He said that UK – Rwanda cooperation was good during his tenure, but two particular areas made unprecedented growth.
“Growth in trade between the two countries particularly the establishment of the direct air links between Rwanda and the UK have been really important and the cross military links. We had big military exercise here and I hope that will continue,” Gelling said.
On May 26th, 2017, Rwanda’s National carrier RwandAir launched direct flight Kigali – London Gatwick.
The Milestone marked the launch of thrice-weekly service between the two capital cities.
Meanwhile, Rwanda Peace Academy and the British Peace Support partner to conduct training of military, police and civilian personnel for effective conduct of peace operations in UN and AU peacekeeping missions.
The British support to Rwanda is mainly channelled through Department for International Development (DFID) in areas of agriculture, trade and investment, social protection, and education.
Rwanda also benefits from regional projects that are funded by the UK including; TradeMark East Africa.
