The Rwandan embassy in Israel with the Rwandan Community, friends of Rwanda, the diplomatic community and international organizations on July 15 marked the 23rd Liberation Day (Kwibohora 23).

The event was held in Tel Aviv.

In his speech, the Minister of State in the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, Michael Oren who was the guest of honor, reflected on the good relations between Israel and Rwanda indicating that Rwanda stood together with Israel through thick and thin in the challenges Israel faces regionally and globally.

He noted the two-year period during which Rwanda was a member of the UN Security Council especially with regard to its decision not to support an anti – Israeli resolution in December 2014, which proved instrumental in the resolution not being adopted bear witness of Rwanda’s support to Israel.

Minister Oren expressed gratitude to the solidarity visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda, Louise Mushikwabo in July 2014 during the Gaza conflict when thousands of missiles were fired on Israel civilian population as well as representing of Rwanda at the funeral of the Late President Shimon Peres.

He further informed that the Economic activity between Israel and Rwanda is gaining momentum with a growing number of Israeli companies looking to strengthen and further develop business and economic relations with Rwanda.

Speaking at the function, Rwandan Ambassador to Israel, Col. Joseph Rutabana paid tribute to the Rwanda Patriotic Army/Front (RPA/F) under the leadership of President Paul Kagame for stopping the Genocide against the Tutsi.

He briefed the audience on the historical background of the RPF and the considerable achievements 23 years after.

He also talked about the history of bilateral relations between Rwanda and Israel, the signing of the different cooperation agreements including the political dialogue on bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and Israel at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in Kigali.

The Ambassador also took the occasion to commend the excellent bilateral cooperation existing between the two countries recalling the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Louise Mushikiwabo to Israel in January 2016.

During the visit, Minister Mushikiwabo held a meeting with the Israeli President, Reuven Rivlin and Prime Minister Netanyahu during which a broad range of issues aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries were discussed.

In his closing remarks, the Ambassador informed that the bilateral relationship existing between Rwanda and Israel is complemented by a set of multilateral activities, including mutual support in various international fora, including the UNSC.