New envoys present credentials, pledge to strengthen economic ties

Five new ambassadors accredited to Rwanda yesterday presented their letters of credence to President Paul Kagame and expressed commitment to strengthen bilateral ties between their respective countries and Rwanda. Amb. Rafiuzzaman Diddiqui of Pakistan They were Arnout Pauwels of Belgium, Rafiuzzaman Siddiqui (Pakistan), Ramesh Chandra (India), Jhony Balza (Venezuela) and John Moreti (Botswana). Save for the Belgian envoy who is resident in Kigali, the rest are based in other countries. The Indian Commissioner is resident in Kampala, Uganda, while the rest are based in Nairobi, Kenya. Speaking to journalists shortly after presenting his credentials, Amb. Pauwels reiterated his country’s support to Rwanda’s economic development. Amb. Pauwels of Belgium. “Belgium is the first commercial partner of Rwanda within the EU. There is now a good air-link from Rwanda to the heart of Europe through Brussels Airline – this means that fresh produce from Rwanda can be transported directly to Europe,” Amb. Pauwels said. “We now need to eliminate more barriers to trade to make this relationship more fruitful. There has been perfect approach on certain issues from both our countries. Belgium doesn’t work alone, we work through the EU and the EU’s relationship with Rwanda is currently very good.” India’s high commissioner Ramesh Chandra said both countries share good cooperation, citing the increase in the Indian community in Rwanda and vice versa as an example. Dr AVS Chandra of India. “There is a strong community of about 2,500 Indians in Rwanda and their contribution to Rwanda’s socio-economic development is very important. Important as well is that last year, over 1500 students from Rwanda traveled to India to study,” he said. Chandra said his country is now focusing on the upcoming India-Africa Summit slated for December in New Delhi, adding that they would use the platform to agitate for more technical support to Rwanda. Amb John Moreti of Botswana Botswana’s ambassador John Moreti said although his country already shares cordial relations with Rwanda, his work will focus on “ensuring that Genocide suspects are tracked down and arrested,” while also seeking business partnerships. Amb. Arismendi of Venezuela. Both Venezuelan and Pakistani envoys said although their cooperation with Rwanda is still in its infant stages, they fancy Rwanda as their platform to widen their partnerships in Africa.

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New envoys present credentials, pledge to strengthen economic ties