Macron says France to resume cooperation with Rwanda
PARIS (AP) - French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to resume cooperation between France and Rwanda even though relations between the two countries are not yet fully normalized.
Following a meeting Wednesday in Paris with Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame, Macron said "what's important is to build the future" through a pragmatic approach.
Relations have been strained in recent years over Rwanda's accusations of French complicity in its 1994 genocide, which France denies.
French President Emmanuel Macron, right, and Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda attend a joint press conference during their meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Francois Mori, pool)
France has had no ambassador to Rwanda since the diplomatic tensions peaked in 2015.
Macron said he will support the candidacy of Rwandan Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo to the head of the International Organization of La Francophonie, a group of French-speaking countries.
Kagame, who currently chairs the African Union, said they discussed peace and security issues on the African continent.
French President Emmanuel Macron, right, and Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda arrive for a joint press conference during their meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Francois Mori, pool)
