Makuza, US Congressmen discuss bilateral relations

Prime Minister Bernard Makuza yesterday held talks with a delegation of United States Congress about the mutual relations existing between Rwanda and the US. The group of ten people, among them three congressmen led by Jim McDermott from Washington, were in the country to review programs supported by CARE International and the US government. CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. Speaking to reporters shortly after the meeting, Donald Payne, a Congressman from New Jersey, was impressed by Rwanda’s tremendous development within a short period of time. “We are in this country as part of the learning tour sponsored by CARE International to review programs supported by them and the US government; primarily healthcare activities,” he said. “We are very impressed by the recovery Rwanda has shown in the last 17 years, coming out of the Genocide and be able to bring about the reconciliation process, improve education, health programs, among other activities.” Payne hailed President Paul Kagame and his leadership for moving the country forward with a clear vision of 2020. “The investment the US government is doing here is a very sound and the results speak for themselves,” he noted. Congressman Payne further hailed the government for promoting gender equality and women empowerment. Makuza said that the US delegation was impressed by the country’s vision to promote development across all sectors of the economy. “We held talks on the current situation in our country, the region and as well as the global community,” he said. Prime Minister stressed that the congressmen were also impressed by the country’s tremendous development after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. “We extensively discussed matters concerning their support to Rwanda and the relationship that exists between the two countries,” he noted. Makuza further said that he briefed the delegation about the country’s target in the next few years, and how it has progressed in terms of fighting against HIV/Aids, reducing infant mortality rate and promoting maternal health. Ends

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Makuza, US Congressmen discuss bilateral relations