TOKYO - The Rwanda-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Association was formally launched recently at the parliamentary premises in Tokyo, Japan.

The association is made up of 15 founding members from both the House of Representatives (Congressmen/women) and the House of Councillors (Senators).

Speaking at the event, Hon. Hirofumi Hirano, Chairman of the Association, said that they were encouraged to join the union due to the remarkable achievements Rwanda has registered in socio-economic and political sectors within a short period.

He commended the prevailing exemplary and visionary leadership for the extraordinary transformation.

The main purpose of the association is to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Rwanda by contributing to the prosperity of both countries and exchanging close communication between members of legislative bodies from the two nations.

The Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda to Japan, Benedicto Nshimiyimana, lauded members of the association for accepting and owning the idea of the Parliamentary friendship association.

He reiterated his optimism that the association would strengthen the already existing excellent bilateral relations between Rwanda and Japan.

"It will be a tool for effective public diplomacy to reach beyond the normal government-to-government hierarchies to grassroots level,” Nshimiyimana noted.

Takeshi Akamatsu, the Director of First Africa Division at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made an overview presentation of the main sectors of the Rwanda’s economy.

He said Rwanda was a model African country in many sectors and commended the improved Rwanda-Japan relations.

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