Rwanda’s envoy to Japan, Dr. Charles Murigande, yesterday presented his letters of credence to the Emperor of Japan, His Majesty Akihito.

In a statement, the Rwandan embassy in Tokyo, says that during the ceremony, the envoy conveyed to Emperor Akihito, President Paul Kagame's greetings and wishes for the Emperor's good health, happiness and well-being. 

"He also conveyed the President’s deepest sympathies to the Emperor and to the people and Government of Japan following the March 11, 2011 Great Eastern Earthquake, Tsunami and Fukushima Nuclear Disaster and his wishes for a speedy recovery,” reads the statement in part.

Murigande expressed gratitude to Japan for the steady support it has extended to Rwanda for the socio-economic reconstruction and development of the country.

"It is our desire to strengthen the good relations that happily exist between our two countries,” Murigande is quoted as saying.

On his part, Emperor Akihito conveyed his greetings to President Kagame.

He thanked him for the support that Rwanda had rendered to Japan during the Earthquake, Tsunami and the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster.

In the aftermath of the disasters that befell Japan early this year, Rwandans, donated US$100,000 to support the victims.

Emperor Akihito said that Japan was "saddened by the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, but they are also encouraged to see the progress that Rwanda has registered under the able leadership of President Kagame.”

The Emperor expressed desire to see the relationship between the two countries further strengthened. The ceremony that was attended by Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Takeshi Maeda, among others.

Murigande is also accredited to Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines.

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