With deep sorrow and heartfelt sympathy, the Jumelage bids farewell to Dr. Bernhard Vogel, the former Minister President of Rhineland-Palatinate and the founder of the partnership between Rhineland-Palatinate and Rwanda.

Bernhard Vogel was an outstanding personality whose vision and dedication laid the foundation for the enduring and successful partnership between people in Rhineland-Palatinate and Rwanda.

As Minister President of Rhineland-Palatinate, he initiated the partnership with Rwanda in 1982, setting the course for cooperation at the municipal level.

This decision was far more than a political initiative – it was an expression of his passionate belief that partnership-based exchange and mutual support are possible across cultural and political boundaries.

Through his tireless commitment to a vibrant, solidarity-based collaboration on equal footing, Dr. Bernhard Vogel not only fostered a close friendship between the people of Rhineland-Palatinate and Rwanda but also enabled numerous personal encounters that form the foundation of our partnership until today.

These encounters have strengthened mutual understanding for decades and have continually renewed the bond between the people of Rhineland-Palatinate and Rwanda.

For the partnership between Rhineland-Palatinate and Rwandan actors, Bernhard Vogel was not only the founder but also a pioneer. His vision of a partnership that goes beyond the mere exchange of ideas and encompasses concrete collaboration in joint projects continues to shape Jumelage’s work today.

Until today, many of the initiatives and projects carry forward the core idea of this partnership as a grassroots approach and they would not have been possible without Mr. Vogel’s vision of engaging where people live their daily lives.

Dr. Bernhard Vogel’s work has left a lasting mark not only on the structure but also on the core values of the partnership and will continue to serve as a guiding principle in the future.

Dr. Bernhard Vogel remained deeply connected to this partnership throughout his life. His legacy lives on in the many projects, the active partnerships, and, above all, in the countless people whose lives have been enriched through this collaboration both in Rhineland-Palatinate and Rwanda.