Over the past days, the Japanese Ambassador to Rwanda, Shigeo Iwatani, has been a busy man. Iwatani signed a number of grant contracts with various government departments and NGO’s, in which his government will assist Rwandans in various aspects of life.

As a sign of good relations between Rwanda and Japan, Ambassador Iwatani, signed the grant contracts to assist in the areas of agriculture, sanitation, health and education, key areas in the country’s socio-economic development.

According to Foreign Affairs Minister, Rosemary Museminali, the grant of Rwf 1.7b, to purchase fertilisers, came at a crucial time, when agricultural production went up by 15 percent.

This together with the good rains, we are currently experiencing, will go even further, in boosting the agricultural sector.

Other projects to be funded through the Grant Assistance to Grassroots Human Security Projects, include health, education and infrastructure which will be implemented by two local NGOs, Association pour l’Education et la Prise en Charge des Enfants en Situation Dificile (AEPESD-TABARA) and Evalise Vivante Nyagatare Parents.

Relations between Rwanda and Japan are not only strengthened through the bilateral cooperation agreements at government level, but down to grassroots level too.

Plans by Japan to open a local embassy means there will be much benefit for the citizens of the two countries, it will mean increased tourism, education exchange programmes, among other areas.

Iwatani, who is currently operating from Kenya should be praised for his efforts at contributing towards the country’s development.

He therefore, must not tire but know that the seeds he planted over the past days in the different projects, will go a long way in supporting Rwanda’s vision for a healthy prosperous society.

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