The government of Zimbabwe has vowed to continue standing with Rwanda in the fight against the distortion of its history and denial of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

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Zimbabwe’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Professor Amon Murwira said this at Rwanda’s Liberation Day celebrations at the Embassy of Rwanda in Harare, on Friday, July 21.

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"As Zimbabwe, we continue to stand with our Rwandan brothers and sisters in the fight against the distortion of history and denial,” Murwira said.

"We believe that the international community must play a leading role and take more consistent and effective steps to live up to its commitment to shun all crimes against humanity and prevent their recurrence.”

He added: "At the same time, it is incumbent on all peace-loving nations and stakeholders to scale up awareness and ensure that future generations are kept informed about the fragile nature of human societies, for, this is an important ingredient in promoting strong political leadership and resolute action against these dangerous trends.”

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Professor Murwira said every July 4 signifies the rebirth of a new nation based on new principles, the restoration of dignity, and the rekindling of hope for all the Rwandan people.

"With that in mind, we pay tribute of reverence to the brave men and women who paid the supreme sacrifice whilst participating in the epochal events that have made Rwanda the jewel that it is today,” he said.

Professor Murwira said the multi-layered partnership between Rwanda and Zimbabwe has witnessed steady growth which is underpinned by the visionary leadership of the two countries’ leaders, President Paul Kagame and President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

"Just as the official theme for Kwibohora29 states ‘Together we Prosper’, over the years, we have accomplished a lot of success stories together,” he said.

Rwanda’s ambassador to Zimbabwe James Musoni paid tribute to the heroes of Rwanda’s liberation for their patriotism, resilience, and selflessness under the leadership of President Kagame.

Musoni said when Rwanda gained independence in 1962, the regimes that took power up to 1994 perpetuated the segregation legacy of the colonial masters. This included propagating sectarianism, promoting hatred among Rwandans, masterminding the exclusion and oppression of the Tutsi in school, work, and politics, and killing and forcing them into exile.

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He said July 4, 1994, marked a turning point in the history of Rwanda as it ushered in positive transformation.

Musomi said Rwanda is one of two countries in Sub-Saharan Africa that achieved all health Millennium Development Goals. Rwanda is playing a significant role in peacekeeping on the African continent and other parts of the world and is one of the top contributors to the United Nations and African Union peacekeeping missions.

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He said apart from being the cleanest country, the level of crime is astoundingly low in Rwanda to such an extent that one can freely take a jog in the night with well-lit street lights without fear of being mugged.

This, he said, has promoted Rwanda’s tourism industry.

Musoni said there is zero tolerance to corruption in Rwanda attributing this feat to the authentic and disciplined nature espoused by President Kagame, which has cascaded down to a household level.

"As much as there is significant progress in all sectors, Rwandans are humble enough to know that our main challenge is sustainability,” Musoni said.

"That is why the youth have been put at the center of the country’s development agenda to equip them with tools that will enable them to be sold in defence of our values through each and every generation.”

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He applauded the relationship between Rwanda and Zimbabwe, saying: "Over the years, the relationship between our two countries has grown and strengthened,” attributing it to the visionary leadership of President Kagame and President Mnangagwa.

The Liberation Day celebrations were attended by Rwandans based in Zimbabwe, diplomats accredited to Harare, friends of Rwanda, and the business community.