The Embassy of Rwanda in the United States hosted a delegation from the Congressional Chiefs of Staff Association on September 17, bringing together representatives from various offices.
The event was an important occasion for fostering connections with the bipartisan group and discussing the strategic partnership between Rwanda and the United States.
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In her remarks, Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana emphasised "the aspiration of both countries to elevate bilateral relations to a higher level,” the embassy said in a statement.
She underscored the essential role the US Congress has played in fostering the necessary dialogue and thanked the US for its vital partnerships in Rwanda’s development trajectory.
Mukantabana reflected on Rwanda’s remarkable transformation thanks to good governance, saying, "We were able to turn a page in a place where people were saying this country will never amount to anything, even suggesting to put us under the protectorate of the UN or label us a failed nation.”
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"But we were blessed with amazing leadership. We also found good partners, including the United States, because in our journey of rebuilding, we were blessed to find people who came when we were wounded,” she added.
Mitchell Rivard, the co-chair of the Congressional Chiefs of Staff Association, reflected on his personal connection with Rwanda.
"I am one of those people who had the fortunate opportunity to visit Rwanda. It is such a beautiful country, and its history has inspired me and my daily life,” Rivard said.
Kate Bonner, Chief of Staff, who recently visited Rwanda as part of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (MECEA) delegation, spoke about Rwanda’s progress in various sectors, including healthcare.
She emphasised the Zipline project, which uses drone technology to deliver medical supplies across the country, as a symbol of the Rwandan government’s innovative approach to improving public health.