Rwanda is committed to strengthening the links with Europe, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Vincent Biruta, said as the delegation of the European Union (EU) to Rwanda celebrated Europe Day on May 9.
The day marked another milestone in the enduring partnership between the EU and Rwanda, according to officials. It was celebrated at the residence of the Ambassador of the European Union, Belén Calvo Uyarra, attracting senior government officials, diplomats and Rwanda’s development partners as well as members of the civil society and the media.
Speaking during the celebration, Biruta expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between the EU and Rwanda.
"Beyond the borders of Europe, the spirit of human declaration lives on. In Rwanda, for example, we have embarked in the last 30 years on the social-economic transformative journey grounded on peace, unity, regional integration, trade and investment progress. In this journey, we are pleased to be partnering with EU and the member states,” he said.
The minister noted that working together will help to overcome challenges like climate change, terrorism and build a better future for the generations to come. He reaffirmed the government of Rwanda's dedication to advancing mutual interests and prosperity.
"The government of Rwanda is committed to strengthen this bridge between Europe and Rwanda.”
At the event, Uyarra, who serves as EU Ambassador to Rwanda since September 2022, told participants that "hosting you at the European residence for the first time fills me with joy.”
"Today is a celebration of EU solidarity and a reminder of our unique projects. We commemorate the anniversary of Robert Schuman's proposal, which laid the foundation for the European Union, highlighting the importance of collaboration and shared goals,” she remarked.
Robert Schuman was a German citizen who also obtained French nationality. He is considered the architect or precursor of European integration.
Uyarra also reflected on a united front with Rwanda and the EU sharing a common ambition to combat the existential threat of climate change. She also reflected on EU development cooperation with Rwanda which is guided by the Rwanda’s Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2021-2027. This framework outlines key priority areas for development cooperation, including education, technology skills, and job creation for youth, environmental sustainability, and political and economic governance.
Uyarra also extended her solidarity to Rwanda as the nation marks the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, a journey marked by resilience, unity, and profound transformation.