Uganda’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Asuman Kiyingi, has said that the national recovery achieved, so far, by the Rwandan people has put the country on the world map as a fast reformer and a growing economy.

Kiyingi made the remarks as chief guest during celebrations to mark Rwanda’s 17th anniversary of the Liberation Day, on Monday.

"The country’s vision of becoming a middle income economy by the year 2020 seems to be within reach,” he told hundreds of Rwandans and friends of Rwanda gathered at the residence of Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Uganda.

"These achievements have only been possible due to the great leadership, patriotism, selflessness and resilience by the people of Rwanda. This resilience has never been more inspiring.”

The well attended ceremony was marked by performances from Ingenzi, a locally based cultural troupe.

The minister reiterated his country’s commitment to maintain close cooperation with Rwanda, adding that the two countries enjoy good relations and interact freely including through intermarriages.

About the international community having looked on as the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis occurred, Kiyingi said it is the realisation of the need for African countries to work together in finding solutions to African problems.

"Continental integration is now more urgent than ever if we are to play a meaningful role in the international arena,” the Minister said.

The High Commissioner to Uganda, Frank Mugambage told the audience that the 17th anniversary of the Liberation Day is an opportunity to reflect and evaluate how far the country has gone in the transformational process.

"It is also time to rededicate ourselves to the liberation process which has now entered a phase of accelerating development,” he said.

The envoy said that the shared vision and the common good built around the Vision 2020 has ensured effective implementation and achievement of set goals.

While citing different international peacekeeping missions that Rwanda is taking part in, Mugambage said that the country has over the last 17 years consolidated peace and stability.

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