Diplomats tour Western, Northern provinces

Several envoys accredited to Rwanda, yesterday completed two-day tour of the Northern and Western Provinces. The visit, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attracted over 40 envoys from diplomatic and consular missions as well as regional and international organizations aimed at witnessing rural economic progress. The delegation was led by Louise Mushikiwabo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and was received by Celestin Kabahizi, the Governor of Western Province. In Rubavu District, they visited the modern Rwanda-Congo border at Goma, Pfunda Tea Company and a hydro power plant in Pfunda. Mushikiwabo said that the tour is organised on an annual basis to give the diplomats the opportunity to visit various parts of the country to see, first hand, the progress made. “The tour also enables the diplomats to directly engage residents and share with them their day-to-day activities and it completes what they already know, hence fostering good relations with these countries,” Mushikiwabo noted. Rev. Fr. Joseph Antony, Secretary to the Apostolic Nunciature, was impressed by the hospitality of the population and the attitude of hard work. “Rural Rwandans are hard working and this has made a positive impact in their lives and the development of Rwanda,” Antony added. While in Musanze District, the visited Nyakabingo Tungsten Concession, Sabyinyo Community Livelihoods Association in Kinigi, and Susa Model Village in Musanze where they interacted with residents. “The village we have just visited (Susa village) groups Rwandans who, throughout the history of this country, have known discrimination, but now live together. This is a story worth experiencing,” Mushikiwabo noted. Susa model village has more than 1000 people who include Genocide survivors, historically marginalized, ex combatants many of whom have disabilities, and those repatriated from Tanzania. “What we have seen shows an effective government,’’ Ambassador Richard Kabonero of Uganda said. Ends

National

Diplomats tour Western, Northern provinces