GENEVA - The Rwandan community and Friends of Rwanda living in Switzerland, on Monday, celebrated the country’s 17th Liberation Day anniversary with a call to preserve Rwanda’s values.

The event, held in Geneva, was attended by diplomats and representatives of international organisations based in the Swiss city.

Alphonse Kayitare, Rwanda’s First Counselor and Chargé d’affaires, noted that the country’s liberation marked the end of decades of oppression, division and violence which, he said, culminated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

"This date opens a new era of nation building with a common vision and a future-oriented mindset of inclusiveness, non-discrimination and shared values; a new era of patriotism and commitment to the preservation of the Rwandan values,” Kayitare said.

He stated that Liberation day is also an opportunity to assess achievements and become more involved in building a better future for all Rwandans.

Among the achievements, he said, is the unity among Rwandans, good governance and democracy, which he said is as a result of the visionary leadership of President Paul Kagame.

The establishment of the rule of law, zero tolerance to corruption, promoting gender equality, education for all and health insurance are other areas, Kayitare said. He observed that Rwanda had registered tremendous success in the last 17 years.

"The Rwandan people rely primarily on their own efforts, and subsequently, supported by the international community where needed,” he explained, adding that this was the foundation of this year’s theme, "Shaping Our Destiny.”

"Today, we celebrate the need for Rwandans to maintain their dignity and that of their country and shape our own future and destiny,” Kayitare said.

He thanked those who supported Rwanda during the liberation struggle, and commended the international bilateral cooperation and investors for their support in the cultural and socio-economic development of the country.

The event featured cultural entertainment by Rwandans in Switzerland.

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