APA – Kigali (Rwanda) – Rwanda and Nepal have inked a deal to operate air services between the two countries facilitating the participation of national carriers in each other’s commercial air market.
An official source confirmed Thursday to APA in Kigali that the bilateral deal is based on the 1944 Chicago Convention and other multilateral treaties governing international air services.
Rwanda’s envoy to Nepal with residence in New Delhi, India, Ambassador Jacqueline Mukangira was quoted as saying that this bilateral air services agreement has created a basis upon which airlines of the two countries are able to operate air transport services, which is the fastest mode of transport, that can facilitate the movement of our people, cargo and mail, in the context of strengthening business bonds.
While inaugurating the Office of Rwanda honorary consulate in Kathmandu, the Ambassador thanked Narayan Prakash Saud, Nepal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, for having graced the ceremony and highlighted the strong relationship between Rwanda and Nepal, and the common engagements on the international arena.
She said: “Rwanda and Nepal also share common strategic views on the protection of civilians. It’s worth recalling that Nepal is a signatory of the Kigali Principles on the Protection of Civilians, having endorsed the principles on April 15, 2017.
“We look forward to continued support at bilateral and multilateral levels. Rwanda pulls its weight when it comes to global UN peacekeeping operations. Indeed, Rwanda and Nepal are currently ranked among the biggest troop contributing countries to the UN Peacekeeping Missions.”
The minister who was the chief guest recognised the importance of Rwanda and Nepal relations, and emphasised that the honorary consulate will further strengthen the warm relations.
He was joined, at the inaugural function, by other high-level dignitaries including Indira Rai, the Vice Speaker of Nepal’s Lower House of Parliament, Dr. Narayan Khadha, a member of parliament and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Bharat Raj Paudyl, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Bharat Mani Subedi, the Secretary of Civil Aviation, some members of parliament, ambassadors, honorary consuls, members of the business community, academia and media representatives.
CU/as/APA