A working retreat aimed at streamlining and reforming roles of the country’s diplomatic missions has resolved that Rwanda’s embassies and consulates abroad adopt ways of not only maintaining good political relations but also diversify further into promoting other issues of National interest such as investment promotion.

The two-day event held at Prime Holdings which brought together Rwanda’s heads of diplomatic missions, top government officials and stakeholders in the private sector also recommended that extra efforts be directed towards strengthening relations between key neighbouring countries and African states.

Speaking during the closing ceremony marked by a cocktail for Rwandan diplomats and their counterparts representing their respective countries in Rwanda, the Minister of Foreign affairs Rosemary Museminari said that coordination between Rwanda’s diplomats and foreign diplomatic corps is important especially in fostering harmony between Rwanda and other countries.

"Networking between Rwandan Ambassadors and their colleagues representing their respective countries in Rwanda is vital, the reason we organised this function. We are now shifting from conventional diplomacy to a new form of diplomacy that is pro-people and involves the people” said Museminari.

She added that during the retreat which will now be held annually, it was agreed that the  embassies abroad maintain close coordination and harmony with key government institutions such as Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Students Financing Agency of Rwanda (SFAR) and Ministries as well as the Private Sector in order to implement their roles effectively.

The two-day tentative retreat also identified key priority areas where Rwanda’s diplomatic missions will contribute especially in investment promotion and marketing the image of the country.

The minister emphasised the need to shift from conventional diplomacy to more aggressive diplomacy that goes beyond maintaining good political relations but also promoting other issues of national interest.

It was also agreed that embassies play a role in sourcing expertise especially in ICT, academics and promoting education through scholarships as well as boosting Rwanda’s tourism industry by marketing the country as one of Africa’s leading tourist destinations.

The Dean of Diplomatic Corps in Rwanda, Richard Kabonero, who is also Uganda’s Ambassador to Rwanda, also emphasised the need for coordination between diplomatic missions in and outside the country, adding that it does not only strengthen bilateral relations but also is a tool for promoting countries’ interests better.

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