The Head of State made the disclosure on Friday 5th May 2023 at the at Marlborough House, the Commonwealth Secretariat Headquarters, where he joined King Charles III as well as leaders from across the Commonwealth and Secretary General, Patricia Scotland for the Commonwealth Leaders Meeting.

Kagame who is currently assuming his role as the Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth since 2022, welcomed the leaders of the two newest Commonwealth countries (Togo and Gabon) and paid tribute to the new Commonwealth Head.

"We appreciate the King’s lifelong devotion to Commonwealth affairs, just as we remember the role of her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, in giving the modern Commonwealth its shape and spirit," he said.

Kagame further stressed the need to empower young people who account for 60 percent of Commonwealth population.

“Our aim is to work together within the Commonwealth to enhance the potential of our young people. There is more work to do to ensure the Commonwealth becomes more relevant and responsive to our people’s needs. This is especially fitting, as 2023 is the Commonwealth Year of Youth,” noted the President.

The meeting was held ahead of the coronation of King Charles III slated for Saturday 6th May 2023.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal sovereign states.

Its combined population is 2.5 billion, of which more than 60 per cent is aged 29 or under. The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries to build democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthen governance and promote justice and human rights.

Commonwealth’s work helps to grow economies and boost trade, deliver national resilience, empower young people, and address threats such as climate change, debt, and inequality.

President Kagame addressing participants of the meeting.

President Kagame with King Charles III after attending the meeting.

Participants posing for a group photo after attending the Commonwealth Leaders Meeting.