Togo and Rwanda Sign Memoranda to Expand Cooperation

 Togo and Rwanda signed two memoranda and a framework agreement on September 23 aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. The documents were signed on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York during a meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries — Robert Dussey and Olivier Nduhungirehe, Togo's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.

"The conclusion of these legal documents demonstrates the shared will of Togo and Rwanda to strengthen their strategic partnership and develop in-depth South-South cooperation in the interests of socio-economic development and stability on the African continent," the ministry stated.

Thus, one of the memoranda concerns political consultations and provides for the creation of a mechanism for regular exchanges of views between Lomé and Kigali on issues of common interest, including the regional and international agenda.

The second memorandum provides for the establishment of a joint cooperation commission. It will provide an institutional basis for identifying priority areas of interaction, as well as coordinating and evaluating joint initiatives.

In addition, the framework cooperation agreement is intended to create a legal and organizational basis for expanding partnership between the two countries in various areas of mutual interest.

In June, Benin and Togo agreed to strengthen cooperation in the economic and security spheres.