National

Rwanda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ernest Rwamucyo, has won the ‘Diplomat of the Year 2012 for Africa’ out of 164 embassies and diplomatic missions represented in London, United Kingdom. This is the first time a Rwandan envoy has won such an award.

Rwamucyo scooped the award at the annual diplomat awards ceremony at the Langham Hotel in London on Tuesday night in the presence of members of the diplomatic corps.

The ceremony recognises the outstanding work and achievements of London’s diplomatic community trying to improve the well-being of their respective nations’.

In its fourth year, DIPLOMAT magazine identified 12 categories that recognise various levels of diplomacy.

The annual event is hosted by DIPLOMAT’s publisher, Hugo de Blocq van Kuffeler.

“Despite the conveniences of modern technology, the tact, persuasiveness, influence and guile of a great diplomat is far more powerful and effective than an e-mail or a letter,” Kuffeler insisted.

“Diplomacy is the brain of a nation. It has been said that the quality of a nation’s diplomacy gives it direction and weight.

Yet another year has passed us, leaving us at an extraordinary time in world history, more complex and challenging trials for its citizens to cope with and for its diplomats to resolve”.

High Commissioners, ambassadors and the diplomats representing Thailand, Romania, Bahrain, Mexico, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Colombia and Macedonia were among other award winners.

The title, “Diplomat of the Year” is bestowed upon just one Ambassador, representing Europe, Middle East, Asia, Africa or Americas. There are also awards offered for the outstanding contribution to the Women in Diplomacy, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Year and the Young Diplomat of the Year.

Contact email: edwin.musoni[at]newtimes.co.rw