GASABO - The new Minister of Foreign Affairs (Minaffet), Louise Mushikiwabo, Friday officially took over from Rosemary Museminali.

Museminali said she had briefed the new minister on the many ongoing activities, as well as the country’s diplomats and consulates the world over.

"I thank the team that I have worked with and ask them to continue supporting the next minister,” Museminali said.

In her remarks shortly before officially receiving the ministry’s files, Mushikwabo said she was honoured, and thanked Museminali "for all her achievements while working” with the staff in the ministry.

The new minister highlighted the country’s recent diplomatic accomplishments, especially improved ties with neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the recent joining of the Commonwealth, as noteworthy exploits under Museminali’s tenure.

"The country achieved much – relations with DRC – not long ago, the country announced plans to reinstate relations with France – she has achieved much,” Mushikwabo said.

"To the staff that I am going to work with, continuity is a very important factor – we must work to continue from where she stopped,” Mushikwabo said, while noting that she was also thankful because Museminali, had agreed to be consulted whenever the need arose.

"I will start coming to work in this building on Monday, and I will be very happy about it.”

"The government of Rwanda works as a team, we work as Team Rwanda - there is a lot that has been achieved today –the standing of our country in the world is very good today, all of which are major components of the work of this ministry and I am very happy to do it,” Mushikwabo stressed.

President Paul Kagame Wednesday evening reshuffled his cabinet, with some Ministers transferred and others dropped.

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