Fellow Rwandans, dear friends;

I would like to convey my best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year.

As you all know, we are engaged in a continuous effort for self-improvement. We must maintain the tempo and continue to build a country we deserve.

In that spirit, as we celebrate this New Year, let us appreciate the fact that we have more prospects today, than ever before.

All this is the result of all the commitments we have made together, in building our economy, strengthening our governance, maintaining security and upholding self belief.

It is now up to us to make use of available opportunities to reach our goals, individually and collectively.

Whatever we want to achieve in this coming year, and beyond, we can make progress by keeping three important points in mind:

• First, we shouldn't avoid change that is inevitable or any other challenge, just because they seem difficult.

• Second, each of you should strive to achieve the goals you have set for yourselves in all that you do in your daily lives. We have seen that persistence and practice yield results.

• Third, don't do it alone, find others who share the same goals and work together.As always in Rwanda, we move forward when we look after each other, and combine our strengths.

Rwanda has come a long way but we still have a long journey ahead. So let's value and use our time well and help others do the same, protect the gains we have made, and continue to make Rwanda the best it can be.

Happy New Year and I wish you and your families health and continued peace and security.