Ambassadors’ retreat ends today

KIGALI - The annual ambassador’s retreat ends today, with discussions centering around better performance strategies to be implemented by Rwandan diplomats.The two-day retreat,  organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed at initiating newly appointed diplomats, as well as fixing administrative difficulties faced by Embassies  and High Commissions in the past year.

Monday, March 07, 2011

KIGALI - The annual ambassador’s retreat ends today, with discussions centering around better performance strategies to be implemented by Rwandan diplomats.

The two-day retreat,  organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed at initiating newly appointed diplomats, as well as fixing administrative difficulties faced by Embassies  and High Commissions in the past year.

Louise Mushikiwabo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, said in an interview yesterday, that the ambassadors discussed Rwanda’s global positioning and how the state’s reality and aspirations should be communicated to the world.

"The ambassadors noted that Rwanda’s image had stood out globally, after contributing several missions to international peacekeeping, advancing women’s rights, doing business and other areas,” Mushikiwabo said.

"They also met government stakeholders and discussed how they can improve their performances; the newly appointed diplomats also learned from the other ambassadors’ shared experience.”

Mushikiwabo added that: "We pointed out foreign service issues, including an examination of the ambassadors’ jurisdiction, as well as distribution of Rwanda’s embassies in the world.”

Meanwhile, Mushikiwabo disclosed that the government has recalled Ignatius Kamali Karegyesa, the former Rwandan High Commissioner to South Africa, on grounds of indiscipline.

"Kamali was recalled on purely internal Rwandan matters, totally unrelated to the recent malaise with South Africa,” Mushikiwabo explained.

"We intend to propose a new envoy to South Africa as soon as possible,” she added.

Ends