The presentation ceremony marked the official assumption of duties as Non-Resident High Commissioner for the Republic of Rwanda to Malta.
The ceremony was followed by an audience with the President of Malta and the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Malta, Evarist Bartolo, where the High Commissioner was accompanied by Minister Counsellor James Wizeye.
The High Commissioner conveyed greetings and best wishes from His Excellency President Paul Kagame, expressing the desire to further strengthen the positive relationship and partnership between Rwanda and Malta.
After the presentation ceremony, the High Commissioner traveled to Malta's Civil Aviation Directorate to complete the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Bilateral Air Service Agreement between the aeronautical authorities of the Government of Rwanda and the Government of Malta. Captain Charles Pace, Director General for Civil Aviation of Malta, signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Malta.
This further strengthens ties between Rwanda and Malta and marks the second MoU signed between the two Commonwealth nations this year. In August 2020, Rwanda's Private Sector Federation (PSF) and the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry (MCCEI), signed an MoU to promote trade and investment between both countries.
The very productive week in Malta also involved engagements and meetings ranging from the private sector to the Diplomatic Corps based in Malta.
Through Trade Malta, who work under the remit of Malta's Ministry for Economy, Investment and Small Businesses and the MCCEI, the High Commissioner met with a selection of businesses who are looking to expand their business operations in Rwanda. One company based in Malta, Salvo Grima launched distribution operations in Rwanda earlier this month.
The High Commissioner paid a courtesy call to the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps and High Commissioner of Ghana to Malta, H.E Mercy Bampo Addo, and signed a book of condolences in honor of former President of Ghana Jerry Rawlings during the visit. This was swiftly followed by a courtesy call to the Vice-Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the Ambassador for Russia to Malta, H.E. Vladimir Malygin.
Malta hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2015 and were the Commonwealth Chair-In-Office before the United Kingdom, who will hand over to Rwanda next year when CHOGM takes place in Kigali in June 2021.
IGIHE
