Ju-young Lee, the Special Envoy of the Republic of Korea who participated in the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that claimed the lives of over one million within 100 days, has commended Rwanda’s journey of reconciliation, forgiveness, economic growth, and exemplary leadership of President Paul Kagame.

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Lee said Korea has a tragic history as Rwanda faced.

The Korean War, which resulted in the deaths of 2.4 million Koreans, left the country in ruins.

The country emerged from the rubble of the Korean War (1950-1953) to achieve industrialisation and democratisation.

Despite its tragic history, Rwanda has recorded remarkable success in rebuilding the country since the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.

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Lee said he has learnt how the Genocide against the Tutsi was planned and executed saying that Kwibuka 30 was highly needed to help learn lessons from such tragic history.

"Kwibuka 30 was a great event that attracted the attention of the people of Rwanda and the world. It was a great inspiration to them that they were using it as the energy for national development, the message of peace, respect for life, and the universal values of humanity. It was a really well-organised commemoration event,” he said in an interview with The New Times.

The envoy said that the testimony of Genocide survivors is a key message to the international community.

"The testimony of the survivors was very moving, but it was beautiful to see Rwanda overcoming that tragedy. I could feel the energy is the key engine of the Rwandan people to overcome such a sad history and tragedy, and especially the message of the president to the international community to have world peace and an exemplary model of reconciliation and unity. It is really a turning point for Rwanda and Africa,” he said.

Lee said that genocide ideology, discrimination, and human rights violations must be fought with enough effort.

"Any efforts that are being made to overcome genocide tragedy cannot be dismissed in any way,” he said.

He reiterated that Genocide fugitives who are still roaming around the world must pay the price for the crimes committed.

"I believe that is the key objective of the United Nations and their initiative to follow all the people who committed genocide through the ICC [International Criminal Court] and the IRMCT [International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals ]....they will be brought to justice and face punishment,” the envoy said.

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He praised Rwanda’s energy that is being used to build a harmonious and developed country.

"The President of the Republic of Korea applauded and praised the solidarity and the unity throughout the Rwandan people with the leadership of His Excellency Paul Kagame, applauds and praises everyone’s growth and solidarity among the people,” he noted as he expressed the message from the President of the Republic of Korea.

"I visited Rwanda in 2017 to participate in the Transform Africa Summit and it was really impressive to see His Excellency Kagame’s initiative of becoming a hub of digital innovation, and it has been seven years since my last visit and it is still impressive to see Rwanda’s international recognition and especially after 30 years of the exemplary leadership of President Kagame to have rapid and sustainable economic growth to be the heart of the Africa,” he added.

Rwanda-Korea cooperation, first Africa-Korea summit

"The Government of the Republic of Korea has appointed Rwanda as one of the key countries of development cooperation and partnership. Rwanda is Africa’s exemplary country in terms of good governance to achieve economic success,” Lee said.

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He said that the anticipated first Africa-Korea summit in June 2024 will enhance ties with Africa and Rwanda, particularly.

The summit in June 2024 will set a milestone for Korea and Africa’s path for shaping a future of sustainable co-prosperity as it eyes higher economic cooperation with Africa.

The Republic of Korea will join hands with the public and private sectors to jointly look for trade and investment projects in Africa, which boasts a massive market with a population of 1.4 billion.

"During the summit, we are planning to host the Korea-Africa business summit which will be a valuable venue for strengthening economic cooperation between Korea and Africa,” he said.

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He added that Korea has recognised companies that are interested in local investments in social infrastructure, the manufacturing industry, and others.

"The summit will be a venue for the Korean private sector to know opportunities, especially in Rwanda. Rwanda’s active participation in the summit and Korea-Africa business summit will share Korea’s experience and synergy in the manufacturing industry such as agri-products, construction, and others,” he said.

He urged Rwanda to take advantage of the opportunities at the Korea-Africa summit and engage more in public-private sector partnerships in the manufacturing and industry-based industries.

In August 2023, Rwanda and South Korea signed two agreements; a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on political consultations, and a Framework Arrangement on Economic Development Cooperation Fund.

In November 2020, Rwanda and Korea signed a bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) that intended to enhance connectivity between both countries and facilitate the private sectors of both countries to realise and tap into economic and social benefits.

Korea has been a solid partner for Rwanda in equipping institutions and nurturing human capital with knowledge and technologies, and hard and soft infrastructure for its economy.

KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), the leading cooperation agency of the Korean government, supported a variety of grant-based projects focusing on ICT and institutional innovation, TVET, and agricultural productivity of a value of $186.6 million as of 2023 (cumulative figures since 1991).

The Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM Bank) is cooperating through its EDCF (Economic Development Cooperation Fund) on developing the infrastructure of the University of Rwanda and on expanding electricity infrastructure. In addition, KEXIM bank is cooperating with the Rwandan government to map out Rwanda’s priority projects, such as building principal roads, strengthening district hospitals and TVET schools and centres of excellence which hold great promise for having a real impact in boosting Rwanda’s economy.

From the private sector, Korea Telecom has established 4G broadband networks around the country by investing in a joint venture with the Rwandan Government in 2013, contributing to Rwanda’s fundamental digital infrastructure.

Both Korea and Rwanda don’t have natural resources. They both pursue an economic development strategy focusing on innovation in agriculture and technology, education, and capacity-building for human resources.