Dr Charles Murigande, the Rwandan Ambassador to Japan, on Tuesday presented his letters of credence to Lt. Gen, Sir Jerry Mateparae, Governor-General of New Zealand.Murigande, whose jurisdiction also covers New Zealand, has a permanent residence in Tokyo, Japan.While presenting his credentials, he was accompanied by Lady Clare de Lore McKinnon, Honorary Consul-General of Rwanda to New Zealand, with residence in Auckland.Speaking at the event held in Wellington, Ambassador Murigande said the move to establish diplomatic ties with New Zealand is in line with Rwanda’s desire as a newest member of Commonwealth, to build strong and productive relations with all member states. "Rwanda is committed to cooperate with New Zealand at both multilateral and bilateral level to promote and protect the shared belief in the United Nations Charter, especially the belief in protection of fundamental human rights,” he noted.He added Rwanda and New Zealand would share experiences in the areas of education, agriculture and animal resources and geothermal energy development.Lt. Gen Mateparae stated that Rwanda is considered a good friend of New Zealand due to the fact that they share common values of democracy and freedom.He pointed out that New Zealand respects Rwanda’s views on international matters and his country looks forward to working with Rwanda in the Commonwealth, and the United Nations.He pledged his country’s support to Rwanda’s interest to serve on international bodies.The New Zealand Governor noted Rwanda has impressed the world with its resilience, steady development, stability, democracy and commitment to equality and respect of human rights.New Zealand, he said, is ready to work with Rwanda in the areas of education, agriculture and particularly geothermal energy, an area in which it has significant expertise.