Rwanda and Belgium should focus on cementing strong ties and forget the past, visiting Belgian Minister for Public Enterprises and Development Cooperation Jean-Pascal Labille has said. 

He was speaking at a news briefing after holding talks with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Louise Mushikiwabo and other government officials in Kigali yesterday.

Labille, who arrived in the country on Tuesday, is scheduled to visit various projects supported by the Belgian government. 

Labille and the Minister for Finance, Amb. Claver Gatete, yesterday signed agreements that would see Rwanda receive Euros 15 million (Rwf13 billion) which will be used to support the public sector. 

The agreements include a Euros 9 million Health Sector Strategic Plan III (HSSP III) fund, which is the first tranche of the Euros 27 million health sector budget support over three years, Euros 2 million Euros toward capacity development initiatives in the health sector, and Euros 4 million for the Public Sector Capacity Building Secretariat to carry out its strategic role.

In 2011, the Belgian government signed cooperation framework-Indicative Cooperation Programme with Rwanda for 2011 to 2014 worth Euros 160 million (about Rwf137b).

For over 50 years, Rwanda and Belgium have established long-standing bilateral relations.

However, the relationship between the two countries faced difficulties as a result of the conflict in the DRC.

"The relationship between Belgium and Rwanda has been that of a married couple where sometimes they are happy and other time not. We should look forward and focus on building a stable relationship and leave the past behind,” Labille said. 

He added: "I am looking forward to a strong relationship that would benefit both countries. We want to see stable peace and security and as well as socio-economic development in the region. Working together we shall achieve our objectives.” 

Minister Mushikiwabo pointed out that the significance of the visit is that there is desire by both countries to move forward.

"The relationship between Rwanda and Belgium is a good; we must acknowledge we have had difficulties. We particularly had some tensions around the crisis in DR Congo last year,” she said.

Mushikiwabo added that Belgium and Rwanda have a historical partnership that has borne noticeable results:

"We are very pleased with Belgian cooperation. It is in line with Rwanda’s development priorities and the projects supported by Belgium benefit the people of Rwanda in a visible way.”

Labille will visit Gatenga Health Centre in Kucikiro District to assess the project’s impact on the community. He is also scheduled to meet donors and Belgian-funded NGOs. 

Minister Labille also commended Rwanda’s achievement and economic growth and confirmed that Belgium will support the country’s EDPRS goals:

"This must be emphassed: Rwanda has made great strides in development. This is one of the few countries that will achieve the Millennium Development Goals.”

The ministers also discussed the implementation of the UN Secretary General’s Peace and Security Framework on DR Congo and the region, as well as Rwanda’s role on the UN Security Council.

Minister Mushikiwabo affirmed Rwanda’s commitment to the Framework saying it is a real roadmap to a peaceful DR Congo and region:

"We are very attached to this roadmap which will guide a lasting solution to the crisis in eastern DR Congo. We expect everybody else that has subscribed to this roadmap to do the same.”

Labille said the international community must take strong measures for a global solution in the region.