On October 23rd, President Paul Kagame celebrated his 67th birthday while attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa. His delegation, including Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, surprised him with a birthday cake to mark the special day.
President Kagame had
arrived in Apia, the capital of Samoa, where he was warmly welcomed by the
country’s Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio. Kagame has
served as the Commonwealth’s Chair-in-Office since Rwanda hosted CHOGM in 2022.
During this year’s
summit, Rwanda will officially hand over the leadership of the Commonwealth to
Samoa. The main CHOGM session will take place on October 25th, preceded by key
meetings, including ones for Youth and Women.
Additionally, Rwanda and
Samoa signed bilateral agreements establishing embassies in both nations. The
signing took place between Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe and Samoa’s
Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa.
Samoa, an island nation
with an economy primarily based on agriculture and tourism, attracts over
180,000 visitors annually, contributing more than $500 million to its economy.
President Paul Kagame
celebrates his 67th birthday
The delegation accompanying him to CHOGM in Samoa joined the celebration
Upon arrival in Apia,
Samoa, President Kagame was welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Tevaga
Iosefo Ponifasio