Rwanda’s envoy to Ethiopia, Hope Tumukunde, yesterday presented her credentials to President Mulatu Teshome at the Presidential Palace in Addis Ababa.

Tumukunde, who previously served as Kigali City vice mayor for social affairs, was appointed an envoy last year.

Speaking at the event, President Mulatu said the Ethiopia and Rwanda enjoy a special relationship which should be further strengthened in several areas of formal cooperation.

"Rwanda and Ethiopia enjoy exemplary friendship which should be further strengthened in several cooperation areas,” he said.

In 2012, the two countries undertook to further strengthen bilateral relations, friendship and to expand cooperation in political, economic, scientific, education and health sectors through establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission.

Speaking after presenting her credentials, Tumukunde said that, going forward, she would work to further strengthen ties between the two countries in different development sectors.

"I am honored to serve my country in Ethiopia, a country that has exceptional relationship with my country. I will do my best, during my tenure to ensure that this strong bond benefits the people of our two sister countries in different development sectors,” she said.

She added that a number of cooperation areas had been formalised through bilateral agreements and that she will play her part to ensure that the commitments do not just remain on paper but be translated into tangible results that will make a difference in the lives of the people of the two friendly nations.