Ambassador Lomas was accompanied by the head of UK Department for International Development (DFID) Rwanda office, Sarah Metcalf.

Following the discussions, Lomas explained that the fruitful meeting aimed at improving Rwanda, UK partnership in national development.

“We have discussed how to fund Rwanda’s education sector, agriculture, social protection support, among others,” she said.

“We also discussed CHOGM due in Rwanda and how we envisage continued collaboration. We had fruitful discussions and promised Premier Ngirente, UK support to Rwanda,” added Lomas.

The Minister of Cabinet Affairs, in the Office of the Prime Minister, Marie Solange Kayisire said that Lomas’ visit reflects smooth relations rooted on mutual cooperation to private investors in agriculture and basic education among others.

“They have agreed to sustain programs aimed at achieving a knowledge-based economy. UK also has existing cooperation with Rwanda Revenue Authority in technical skills transfer,” she said.

Minister Kayisire also explained that both leaders discussed on preparations of the upcoming CHOGM2020 to take place in Rwanda.

“They usually follow up and support preparations of the meeting and provide support. They discussed how to sustain cooperation to make the meeting successful,” she said.
The 26th CHOGM in Kigali is expected to attract leaders from all 53 Commonwealth countries.

Leaders from all 53 Commonwealth countries are expected to attend.

Rwanda joined the Commonwealth in November 2009, becoming its 54th member.
The previous Commonwealth meeting took place in the United Kingdom.

The Government approved Rwf 20.1 billion budget for preparations of CHOGM2020 of which Rwf 10.8 will be utilized to upgrade the airplane’s parking at Kigali International Airport among other activities including Rwf 3.3 billion to renovate the road Nyabisindu-Nyarutarama and Kabeza-Alpha Palace.

Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente received Jo Lomas, the British High Commissioner to Rwanda