(Ecofin Agency) - Rwanda signed on May 28 a new military agreement with the United States, the ministry of foreign affairs reports. The new deal comes to supplement the existing one, signed in 2005.

According to Vincent Biruta (pictured), the minister of foreign affairs, the new convention “will cover U.S. Personnel and US contractors who may be temporarily present in the territory of the Republic of Rwanda in connection with ship visits, training exercises, humanitarian activities, and other activities as mutually agreed.”

Called “Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA),”, the agreement is expected to strengthen the cooperation between the two partners in terms of defense and military activities.

“The signing of this agreement marks another milestone in strengthening the military cooperation between our countries which has seen a significant rise, exemplified by the signature of the State Partnership Program with the State of Nebraska and its National Guard on Dec. 12, 2019,” said Peter Vrooman, the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Rwanda.

Moutiou Adjibi Nourou