Rwanda approves nuclear power deal with Russia for “peaceful purposes,” a move that is expected to boost relations between the two countries and advance the latter’s interests in the region.
This comes forward of the first Russia-African Forum next week in the city of Sochi, which President Paul Kagame has accepted attendance, accompanied by a delegation of senior government officials.
The nuclear power deal was first signed in Moscow and will see Russian scientists set up a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology in Kigali.
The deal was boosted in May when a Russian government nuclear parastatal, Rosatom Global, reached an agreement to set up the nuclear plant by 2024—that the government says will help in the advancement of technology in agriculture, energy production and environment protection.
It has signed similar co-operation deal with Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania even as questions over the suitability of the technology stand out large.
In June Rwanda started bargaining to purchase Russian missile defense systems, as reported by the Russian press, as well as signed agreements to develop a military simulation and training centre in Kigali.