KIGALI, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda's Ministry of Infrastructure announced Thursday that it has signed an agreement with the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) aimed at strengthening logistics collaboration between the two countries.
In a statement, the ministry said the memorandum of understanding (MoU) will facilitate the establishment of a KPA Liaison Office in Kigali, Rwanda's capital, described by officials as a milestone that strengthens bilateral cooperation and regional trade facilitation under the Northern Corridor.
The ministry noted that the memorandum signed by officials of both sides establishes a strategic framework to strengthen institutional and commercial linkages between Rwanda's business community and Mombasa Port services.
"The MoU goes beyond a formal agreement; it reflects the strong partnership between Rwanda and Kenya and our shared commitment to efficient regional logistics that deliver real benefits to our people," said Canoth Manishimwe, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Infrastructure.
According to the statement, the signing reaffirmed a shared commitment to efficient trade and regional integration, with the liaison office in Kigali expected to enhance coordination, streamline logistics, and boost regional trade competitiveness.
The KPA manages inland waterways as well as inland container depots to facilitate global trade.
In a separate statement, the KPA said the collaboration will enhance trade facilitation by bringing port services closer to the Rwandan business community, improve efficiency in cargo clearance and forwarding, and strengthen regional connectivity through the Port of Mombasa.
This initiative reaffirmed the "commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, promoting regional integration, and supporting seamless movement of goods within the East African Community," it added. ■