On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Rwandan President Paul Kagame of steadfast support from India, including medical help, to combat the African nation’s COVID-19 pandemic.
The prime minister also appreciated the effective management of the crisis under Kagame ‘s leadership during their telephone conversation, and the Rwandan people ‘s firm resolve to tackle the challenge.
In a tweet, the prime minister later said Rwanda is an significant pillar of India ‘s relationship with Africa, and will remain so.
Modi was responding to President Kagame ‘s tweet in which he shared details of the talks.
“Rwanda has managed the COVID-19 crisis effectively under your leadership. India is honoured to support your efforts, not only for fighting the pandemic but also for advancing Rwanda’s impressive development story,” Modi said.
Rwanda is, and will remain, an important pillar of India's relationship with Africa.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2020
Modi expressed satisfaction at the progress made in bilateral ties since his visit to Rwanda in 2018, an official statement said during the talks.
Kagame recalled Modi’s 200 Indian cows during his visit, explaining that they helped boost the supply of milk to Rwandan children and also increased farmers ‘ income, he said.
The leaders discussed the pandemic ‘s challenges to their health-care systems and economies.
They also shared information on the steps taken in the respective countries to manage the crisis and to ensure people’s wellbeing.
During the current crisis they agreed to extend all possible support to expatriate citizens of each other, the statement said.
“The prime minister assured the Rwandan President of India’s steadfast support to Rwanda’s efforts to combat the coronavirus, including through medical assistance,” it said.
During the current crisis Modi conveyed his best wishes for the health and well-being of the Rwandan people.
