The 21st March 2023 marks a milestone: the 60th anniversary of Korea-Rwanda diplomatic relations. Six decades have passed – and we have come so far. Korea and Rwanda initiated their bilateral relations in 1963. Yet it was not until around 2010 that the two countries embarked upon a more thriving and substantial cooperation with the establishment of their embassies in the respective capitals. (Rwanda first established its full-fledged Embassy in Seoul in 2009, and the Korean Embassy settled in Kigali in 2011.)
Rwanda has been one of the priority partner countries of Korea since 2010. There are many similarities between them. Both Korea and Rwanda have a lack of natural resources. They both pursue an economic development strategy focusing on innovation in agriculture and technology, education, and capacity-building for human resources. With these common elements Korea and Rwanda have worked closely on a range of projects. They have shared lessons learned.
Two Countries’ Common Features - Expanding the Horizons of the Cooperation
The Korean War, which resulted in the deaths of 2.4 million Koreans, left the country in ruins. As a person from a country which emerged from the rubble of the Korean War (1950-1953) to achieve industrialization and democratization, I am delighted to see Rwanda’s remarkable success in rebuilding the country within a generation since the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. Our success stories resonate with each other. Rwanda has sustained steady economic growth rates of over 7% over the last 20 years. With political stability and gender equality, it has placed itself 38th in the ease of doing business index and as the 54th least corrupt nation out of 180 countries in the world in 2022. It also achieved 4G network coverage for 97% of the population in 2021 and ranked first in Africa in terms of Internet speed in 2023 - no wonder the world is taking a great interest in Rwanda as the leading low-income country in East Africa.
Korea has been a solid partner for Rwanda in equipping institutions and nurturing human capital with knowledge and technologies, and hard and soft infrastructure for its economy. KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), the leading cooperation agency of the Korean government, supported a variety of grant-based projects focusing on ICT and institutional innovation, TVET and agricultural productivity of a value of $173 million as of 2022.
The Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM Bank) is cooperating through its EDCF (Economic Development Cooperation Fund) on developing the infrastructure of the University of Rwanda and on expanding electricity infrastructure. In addition, KEXIM bank is cooperating with the Rwandan government to map out Rwanda’s priority projects, such as building principal roads, strengthening district hospitals and TVET schools and centres of excellence which hold great promise for having a real impact in boosting Rwanda’s economy.
From the private sector, Korea Telecom has established 4G broadband networks around the country by investing in a joint venture with the Rwandan Government in 2013, contributing to Rwanda’s fundamental digital infrastructure. Korea will continue to commit to strengthening its partnership with Rwanda to achieve its aspiration to become a Middle-Income Country by 2035 and a High-Income Country by 2050 through the National Strategy for Transformation. The aspiration of Rwanda touches our hearts because we ourselves travelled such a path. And we know how great it feels to achieve such lofty goals.
Korea and Rwanda are creating an affinity and synergy in the cultural realm too. More and more Rwanda people take an interest in learning Korean language and experiencing Korean culture as K-content is gaining more popularity in Rwanda. Seeing the increased number of participants and support for the Embassy events such as the ‘Korean Song Festival’ and ‘Korean Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo Championship, it is clear that cultural exchanges are playing a crucial role in connecting the peoples of the two nations.
Shared Values and Way Forward for the Future Cooperation
Korea and Rwanda have witnessed extensive high-level exchanges in recent years between the Foreign, Defence and Infrastructure ministries. In October 2022 the Korean National Assembly Speaker H.E. Jin-pyo Kim visited Rwanda to participate in the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly held in Kigali, marking the first such visit to Rwanda from the Korean National Assembly.
The two nations share a firm belief in the power of multilateral cooperation. We both prize the importance of the United Nations principles and core mandate to build and maintain peace and security in the international community. With this as a firm basis, the two countries are enjoying an ever-deepening partnership at the governmental and parliamentary levels.
Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has announced his intention to host the first Korea-Africa Summit in 2024. This is indeed a reflection of his deep wish to strengthen relations with Africa. Indeed, this is in tune with Korea’s goal of serving as a global pivotal state. Korea will indeed give genuine thought to and further explore mutually beneficial ways to cooperate with African countries. Korea has a heartfelt wish to work together with our friends in the wonderful African continent which is set to truly flourish for the sake of development, for the sake of prosperity for humankind.
In this spirit, Korea is exerting wholehearted efforts to host the World Expo 2030 in Busan, the greatest port city, a city of tremendous charm and energy. With the main theme of "Transforming Our World, Navigating toward a Better Future”, the World Expo 2030 Busan will guide Korea and Rwanda towards the nurturing of yet more substantial bonds of partnership to address global challenges. And indeed it is our heartfelt aspiration that it will serve to diversify Korea-Africa relations more broadly.
Celebrating the year 2023
This year, in celebration of the 60th anniversary, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Rwanda is arranging several events.
First of all, the ‘Korea-Rwanda 60th Anniversary Logo Design Contest’ is under way in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in Seoul. The logo selected will be the symbol for this year and used at every occasion hosted by the respective embassies.
Second, the Embassy will introduce Korean films with a variety of genres on the occasion of the ‘Korean Film Festival’. We hope you will enjoy this event which will take place from May 5th to 7th at the Century Cinema in Kigali. This will provide an optimum opportunity for audiences to explore Korean screenplays that have proved popular among Koreans and indeed people all over the world.
Third, the Embassy is planning to host a seminar on development cooperation in May. I believe we can take stock of what has been achieved in the path traveled. And indeed share perspectives which will serve as a guiding light on the path ahead.
Lastly, a Taekwondo demonstration team from Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters) will perform at BK Arena on June 3rd and 4th. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the much respected demonstration team will visit Rwanda. They will display not only the dynamic movements but indeed the spirit of Taekwondo. Your participation will be most sincerely welcomed and appreciated.
As you can see, Korea and Rwanda have indeed continued to develop the bilateral partnership in a whole spectrum of areas since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1963. I look forward to the two countries further strengthening the shared efforts in a spirit of cooperation and achieving common prosperity in the decades to come.