In Rwanda, we are determined to prosper by combining our own resources with the good development and integration partnerships represented here today and beyond,” President Paul Kagame told diplomats accredited to Rwanda.

He made the remarks, yesterday, during a luncheon with members of the diplomatic corps at Village Urugwiro in Kigali.

Among the projects cited, whose implementation is a result of partnership are the Northern Corridor Infrastructure Projects (NCIP), the Central Corridor, coming up and the previously Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), now Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"Rwandans are working to be our best selves, fully responsible for our future, a burden to no one. And this is the aim of the choices we make. Here I only have to say that our best is not always good enough. So, we’ve to keep trying. We always try to be our best selves,” he said.

The reality of poverty reduction in the country, the Head of State noted, is truly undeniable and, "as the recent household survey demonstrated, that is true.”

Figures published last September indicate that at least 146,000 off-farm jobs were created in the country annually since 2011.

According to the Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV4) report, Rwanda is well on track to achieve its target of creating 200,000 jobs every year by the year 2018.

Among others, the latest survey data point to a 24.4 per cent increase in business enterprises between 2011 and 2014, which created 34.5 per cent new jobs, with 47.9 per cent of the new jobs being created in rural Rwanda while 22.4 of them are in urban areas.

Rwanda’s interests

The President further told the diplomats that the country values the free and open dialogue enjoyed with friends and partners.

"We listen carefully, we also contribute where we can, and sometimes, we may disagree. It’s part of all this conversation. We agree on many things. We also disagree on a few things but, it is normal.”

He told the diplomats that Rwanda’s diplomacy and international engagement are resolutely multilateral, collaborative and judicious.

Kagame said: "This will not change. Not only because it is the best way to advance our interests – when it comes to this issue of interests, I know some people even understand it better than me or, representing national interests, is probably practiced more and better by many others. But, even Rwanda has interests. And, we’ll contribute meaningfully to global cooperation.”

President Kagame ended by thanking the diplomatic corps for continued partnership.

"In 2016 and beyond, we look forward to working with you even more, to give practical expressions to the values and goals that we all share,” he said.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw