Rwandans living in three US states New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, recently held their inaugural social gathering in New York City.

According to a statement, the gathering was organised to strengthen the social, cultural and economic ties amongst members of the Rwandan Diaspora.

"We also wanted to inform and influence public policy in the United States pertaining to issues of strategic importance to the well-being of all Rwandans,” reads a statement from the organisers.

One of the organisers, Jean-Baptiste Rudatsikira, commended those who attended "for keeping the momentum going after a successful Rwanda Day in Chicago over the past summer.”

Rudatsikira noted that in addition to getting to know each another, the aim of such a gathering is to create an active Rwandan community.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Louise Mushikiwabo, and Rwanda’s Ambassador to the US, James Kimonyo, who were in New York City for the UN General Assembly, also attended the gathering.

Mushikiwabo thanked the community for efforts to solidify ties.

"She reminded the audience that every Rwandan should have goodwill for his or her country.  She emphasised Rwanda’s Diaspora policy, which is to mobilise the Diaspora and encourage them to be a positive link between Rwanda and the rest of the world,” reads part of the statement.

The Minister reiterated her commitment to support causes of the Diaspora community, encouraging everyone to participate in the country’s ongoing social and economic development.

Kimonyo affirmed his continued support to the community, and particularly commended the community’s effort to create a more cohesive Rwandan society.

Ends