URUGWIRO VILLAGE - President Paul Kagame and First Lady, Jeannette Kagame, yesterday, hosted members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps accredited to Rwanda, to a New Year’s reception at Village Urugwiro.

In his address, the President told the diplomats that the progress registered in Rwanda, over the past few years was, partly, as a result of the significant contribution from the countries and organizations that they represent.

"I am happy to note that, relations between Rwanda and the countries and organizations you represent, continue to be marked by close cooperation and mutual support and understanding,” the President said, adding that it is the country’s desire that the existing cooperation is maintained, strengthened and even scaled up.

Kagame, pointed out that Rwanda continues to make progress and the citizens are keen to maintain the pace towards sustainable development.

"They want to increase their productivity, have access to clean water and electricity and markets for their produce. They want to enjoy the benefits of education, information and communication technologies,” he said.

"On our part, the government is working to empower our citizens and enhance their participation in the political and economic spheres of the country, in order to realize our dream.”

President Kagame called on the Diplomats to work with the Rwandan people.

"We invite our friends and partners with whom we have been working, to stay the course with us, and remain part of this worthwhile endeavor as we continue to be true partners with you as well,” he said.

"Initiatives on which we have successfully worked together, such as the Development Partners Meeting, provide us with impetus for even greater cooperation as we go forward. We would like to build on these kinds of mutually supportive initiatives and relations of any sort are built and drive on mutual trust, respect and benefit, ours are no different,” said the President.

"I have no doubt that you have found evidence that Rwandans are willing and committed partners and steady-fast friends; people with whom you can do business.”
President Kagame, noted that working together to develop the country is in the interest of all the parties.

"We have made investments together and we have patiently and jointly built or rebuilt this country and put it back on its feet. Therefore, if you have made an investment, you want to continue realizing the benefits of that investment and protect it. So I am sure as partners it is in our interest to continue protecting what we have built together.”

The Dean of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, Richard Kabonero, said that the increasing diplomatic representation in Kigali is testimony to the diplomatic initiatives undertaken by the government of Rwanda and the confidence and the high regard the respective countries have for the Rwandan leadership and its people.

"Rwanda has continued to make tremendous progress in transforming the country towards a prosperous and secure nation. Under the leadership of President Kagame, Rwanda has mobilized its people and marshaled the country’s resources to achieve the 2020 Vision,” said Kabonero, who is also Uganda’s High Commissioner to Rwanda.

"Rwanda has also achieved excellent results in education, infrastructure, the service industry, as well as harmonizing regulations with other partner states in East Africa.”

The event was also attended by Cabinet ministers, and other top government officials.

Ends