By Ebi Kesiena
The UK and Rwanda are collaborating on global migration challenges, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said during his meeting with the President of the East African country Rwanda, Paul Kagame.
Mr Sunak posed for photos with Paul Kagame at Downing Street before welcoming him into the building for talks.
The discussion with Mr Kagame is part of a host of bilateral meetings Mr Sunak is holding as world leaders and their representatives descend on London for the king’s coronation on Saturday.
The UK has agreed a multimillion-pound partnership with Rwanda designed to tackle the number of small migrant boats sailing to Britain on unauthorised routes.
The £140 million ($176 million) deal will see some migrants who enter unlawfully by the English Channel sent to Kigali if they cannot be deported to their home country.
“Rwanda and the UK are great friends and we have demonstrated that with our migration and economic partnership, which I think shows us leading the way in finding global solutions for shared international challenges,” Mr Sunak said, opening the discussions in No 10’s pillared room.
The Conservative Party leader also praised Mr Kagame’s role as chair-in-office of the Commonwealth over the past year, saying he had led the way on issues such as trade and sustainability.
