The Arab Republic of Egypt’s House of Representatives Speaker, Aly Abdel Aal, said he was thrilled by Rwanda’s anti-corruption initiatives.
He spoke after discussions with Donathile Mukabalisa, Rwanda’s Chamber of Deputies Speaker, on Tuesday.
The conversations concentrated on enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations, especially between the parliaments of both nations.
Ali Abdel Aal, who is in Rwanda for a four-day visit, also a paid courtesy call to Senate President Bernard Makuza, who invited his guest to take part in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) General Assembly next year.
“We have discussed bilateral relations between Egypt and Rwanda and, particularly, between the parliament of Egypt and the parliament of Rwanda. After discussions, what has impressed me is the development of the country and the progress in terms of the fight against corruption and good governance in Rwanda,” Aal said.
According to Transparency International’s 2018 Corruption Perception Index, Rwanda has risen by one point to score 56 out of 100, making it one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s five least corrupt countries.
“Fighting against corruption is a distinguished experience, it is an experience of respect which should be replicated. We have agreed to set up groups representing our parliaments so that we share the experiences,” he said.
The Transparency International index listed Rwanda behind Seychelles as the fourth least corrupt nation in Africa, scored 66, Botswana (61), and Cabo Verde (57) and Namibia in the fifth position.
Rwanda was declared to be the least corrupt nation in East Africa, while it ranked 48th worldwide.
Mukabalisa said both countries ‘ parliaments will continue to know about distinct issues from each other’s experience.
“We have shared a lot about the history of Rwanda, how far we have come, and the country’s vision …in order to continue strengthening cooperation, we have agreed to form a team that will help to learn from each other’s experience and practices in terms of parliamentary diplomacy,” she said.
In 2017, for the shared advantage of their people, Presidents Paul Kagame and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi committed to strengthening financial connections between the two nations.
They said the governments would strive to encourage trade exchange, joint investment, and establish connections between both countries ‘ private industries, particularly in the fields of communication, tourism, agriculture, and energy.
Egypt’s national carrier EgyptAir introduced two weekly flights from Kigali to Cairo this year.
Furthermore, to enter Rwanda, Egyptians do not require a visa.