Supporting the private sector, job creation, skills development will be on top of the agenda of the European Union in Rwanda, according to Nicola Bellomo, the European Union Head of Delegation to Rwanda. He said this Thursday evening during the celebration of the Europe Day held at his residence in Kigali. Europe Day, observed on May 9 each year, marks the presentation of the Schuman Declaration in 1950, which proposed the creation of a European Coal and Steel Community, the forerunner to the European Union. In an interview with media, Bellomo said that the current cooperation between the European Union and Rwanda is focusing on energy, infrastructure and agriculture; but other options are being considered for the future. “We have political dialogue in different sectors and of course, our development cooperation is these days focused on energy, infrastructure and agriculture; but as we approach the end of this cycle, we are already considering options for the future,” he said. “Supporting the private sector, investment and job creation will be on top of our agenda, as well as skills development in order to improve the attractiveness of Rwanda as a business destination. We are ready to engage with our Rwandan counterparts to devise a shared agenda for the future,” he added. Europe Day event took place at the EU Ambassador s residence in Kigali. Guests taking a selfie during the event. Some snacks shared during event. The envoy commended the partnership between the EU and Rwanda as one based on excellent relations. He cited the recent visit of Jean-Claude Junker, the EU President in April this year as a signal of the quality and the level of the partnership. Junker was in Rwanda to attend the 25th commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi, “He was moved and impressed by the reconciliation, the capacity of the people of Rwanda and leadership to move forward,” Bellomo said. Significance of Europe Day “For the Europeans it means peace, stability, prosperity, development,” said Bellomo commenting on the significance of the day. Claudine Uwera, the state minister for Finance and Economic Planning said that the day is significant to Rwandans as well because of the good working relations between Rwanda and European countries. “We work together in development, infrastructure, energy, among many sectors. This brings us into the development we desire, as well as reducing poverty,” she said. “The government of Rwanda values the good relations that exist between the European Union Commission and Rwanda and reiterate our commitment to continue working together at national, regional, and global level to improve lives of citizens,” she added. The Europe Day of the EU was introduced in 1985 by the European Communities (the predecessor organisation of the EU). Following the foundation of the European Union in 1993, observance of Europe Day by national and regional authorities increased significantly. Germany in particular has gone beyond celebrating just the day, since 1995 extending the observance to an entire Europe Week.” editor@newtimesrwanda.com
