Germany recommits to strengthen ties with Rwanda

The German ambassador to Rwanda has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to maintain close ties with Rwanda. Peter Fahrenholtz was speaking on Wednesday evening at an event to mark the 24th Day of Germany reunification. The event held in Nyarutarama, Kigali was attended by Germans living in Rwanda and their friends. Fahrenholtz noted that the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that claimed more than a million lives remains one of the most horrendous tragedies of man kind. It was a tragedy not only because of the immense suffering but also because it could have been avoided, he said. “No one expected Rwanda to recover so fast from a tragedy of such magnitude.It is unbelievable that all people are now enjoying peace and economic prosperity,” he said. “If Rwanda has managed to emerge out of the macabre situation, and is now a shining star in the world, why can’t all nations learn from this milestone and provide welfare for all,” he wondered, adding that if there is political will, the world can be safe. Fahrenholtz said Germany was committed to supporting Rwanda’s transformation in areas such as decentralisation, economic development and vocational training. He urged the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to visit Germany and woo investors to come and invest in various lucrative sectors in Rwanda. Speaking about the post-unification of his country, Fahrenholtz said Germany and Rwanda share a lot in common. We need to follow the path of reconciliation by focusing on what unites us. By so doing, we shall be able to create a world free from conflicts and wars, he said. Fahrenholtz said Germany reunification was achieved peacefully and called this a significant milestone. “The authorities of East Germany did not use force to bring about people’s freedom. Our friends and partners in European Union, the United States of America and Russia helped us achieve reunification. It is gratifying to achieve such a major milestone in a peaceful way,” he noted. “Our cities were destroyed, over 10 million Germans perished and millions became refugees while many others were deprived of their property. We also experienced the Holocaust. In a nutshell, we had to reconstruct our country from zero,” he said. The Minister of State in charge of Transport, Dr Alexis Nzahabwanimana, who was the chief guest said the relationship between Rwanda and Germany, two countries which were once divided due to sectarian and imperialistic ideologies, is based on dialogue and mutual understanding. He commended Germany for investing in key areas of Rwanda’s development including decentralisation and good governance as well as private sector development and youth employment. The day of Germany Unity started to be observed on October 3, 1990 when the goal of Germany unity that originated in the middle of the 19th century was finally achieved.In 1989, the Berlin wall which divided East Germany (the former Germany Democratic Republic) and West Germany (the Federal Republic of Germany) fell after a compromise between the two states, which completed the process of Germany reunification.

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Germany recommits to strengthen ties with Rwanda