Soon-Taik Hwang, the ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Rwanda, has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to maintaining strong bilateral ties with Rwanda.

He was speaking in Kigali on Wednesday at an event to mark the Korea National Foundation Day, which reminisces the day the first Nation of Korea came into existence and revived the unity of Koreans.

The event was attended by Koreans living in Rwanda and their friends on Wednesday in Kigali.

The envoy said Korea-Rwanda relations had developed so fast and called for the consolidation of the existing ties.

"Korea will support Rwanda in its development programme because of the good governance and for the welfare of its people,” he said.

Hwang announced his country’s plans to donate $51 million grant for the construction of the University of Rwanda’s headquarters.

He said the donation would come after discussing with government on the grant use.

He also reiterated commitment to build a training centre for teachers within (IPRC)-Kigali compound and an ICT innovation centre in Kigali. Both projects will cost $9 million.

Geraldine Mukeshimana, the Minister for Agriculture and Animal Resources, said Rwanda and the Republic of Korea enjoy excellent bilateral cooperation.

Korea’s intervention in Rwanda is in the areas of economy, technical assistance and capacity building.

The two nations established diplomatic relations on March 21, 1963.

Korea has supported many projects in agriculture, education and ICT, capacity building, technical and vocational education.

"The Rwanda Rural Community Support is a project that the Government of Rwanda is negotiating with the Republic of Korea. The project will be worth $11 million and aims at increasing productivity, food security and farmers’ income as well as commercialisation,” she said.

In technical assistance, Mukeshimana said, the Republic of Korea sent 62 volunteers to Rwanda in 2013 and they are providing expertise in schools, health centres, hospitals and policy development.

The Day, which is supposed to be marked on October 3, is based on Korea’s origin myth which goes back to almost 5,000 years ago when the first Nation was established in the Korean Peninsula, according to the envoy.

He said such commemorations help to bind Koreans together.

"The Day reminds us of our identity that we are the same people and the same race and that we have to maintain our unity,” amb. Hwang said.

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