Kigali, 15 January 2016
President Kagame today hosted envoys accredited to represent their countries in Rwanda to the annual diplomats’ Luncheon at Urugwiro Village. Four new envoys from China, Denmark, Kuwait and the Czech Republic also attended the Luncheon after presenting their credentials to President Kagame.
Addressing the envoys, President Kagame expressed his appreciation to those who sent messages of condolences when his mother passed away last year, saying to them: “There are moments when we are just humans, thank you for being with us in those moments.”
On the field of cooperation, President Kagame assured the diplomats that Rwandans were determined to prosper, and expressed their appreciation for what the diplomats do to keep the relationship stronger.
“Rwandans are working to be our best selves, fully responsible for our future, a burden to no one.You are in a position to see this first-hand and provide useful context, back to headquarters, when called upon. We value the free open dialogue we enjoy with our friends and partners. We listen carefully and also contribute, where we can. Rwanda’s diplomacy and international engagement are resolutely multilateral, cooperative and judicious. We contribute meaningfully to global cooperation because it reflects who we are as a people.”
President Kagame told the envoys that Rwandans will always endeavour to be who they are and also and always struggle to be better versions of who they are.
Before concluding with a toast to good health and even better relations, President Kagame thanked the diplomats for what Rwanda has achieved with their support and said Rwandans look forward to more as they continue to make progress they want and deserve.
Speaking on behalf of the envoys, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Richard Kabonero, said it was clear to everyone that Rwanda changes every year, and the progress is quite remarkable.
“A few of us who have been here longer, have witnessed a lot of development in ICT, peacekeeping, education, peace and stability. We congratulate the people of Rwanda for a well organised referendum that reflected the will of the people of Rwanda. On behalf of my colleagues we appreciate the facilitation accorded to us as we do our work. Rwanda will be a prosperous country in the not so distant future.” Ambassador Kabonero concluded by quoting President Kagame: “We will make this country prosperous not by riding on back of others but based on our abilities” and also took the opportunity to wish the Rwanda National Football team, Amavubi and the Uganda Cranes success in the CHAN tournament which kicks off tomorrow in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lousie Mushikiwabo said Rwanda’s diplomacy has enlarged, and Rwandans hope the New Year would come with better tidings.
“We value our partners and recognise their contribution to our progress. We have regular diplomatic briefings where we discuss issues and have sustained our dialogue on issues concerning Rwanda and the region.”
Minister Mushikiwabo also took the chance to express best wishes to all African diplomats who represent countries that have teams participating in CHAN Rwanda 2016.