FEATURED: Rwanda, Japan envoys share reflections as two countries clock 60 years of cooperation

Rwanda-Japan relation started back in 1962 at the dawn of Rwanda’s independence. As the two countries celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of their bilateral relations, Ernest Rwamucyo, the Ambassador of Rwanda to Japan, and Masahiro Imai, the Japanese Ambassador to Rwanda exchange their views on past, present and future of the Rwanda-Japan relationship. Q. What has built the sound and friendly bilateral relationship between the two countries? How do you evaluate achievements made by both countries and people? (Ambassador Rwamucyo) Rwanda and Japan share an unbreakable bond of friendship which is built on mutual trust, shared interests, solidarity, growing people-to-people contact and cultural connection; and shared belief in multilateralism coupled with strong political will of the leadership of the two countries. There has been high level connection between the political leaders of Rwanda and Japan. H.E. President Paul Kagame has participated in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Summits. In January 2019, the President made an official visit to Japan and held high level meetings with His Majesty Emperor Akihito and Prime Minister ABE Shinzo. The President also visited Japan in August 2019 to participate in TICAD 7 in Yokohama and again held productive bilateral discussions with Prime Minister ABE. The President also worked very closely with former Japan Prime Minister, Yoshihide SUGA on the global fight against Covid-19 and mobilization for global equitable access to covid-19 vaccines for developing countries. (Ambassador IMAI) People-to-people exchange and mutual support, from top-level to local community, have created mutual trust as a foundation of the friendship between two countries. Besides the high-level connection, at local level, the City of Kobe has the partnership agreement with Kigali City for economic cooperation. Hachimantai, the host city for the Rwandan Olympic athletes at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021, has a good relation with Rwanda in the area of floriculture. Most importantly, Japan still remembers that we received warm messages and financial support from the Government and the people of Rwanda during the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Through those collaborations, both Governments and people work together, learn from each other and have developed solid mutual-trust between two countries and people, which are irreplaceable achievements we have made. (Ambassador RWAMUCYO) In this regard, Japan has over the last decade sent over 300 Japanese overseas volunteers who bring critical skills in a varied number of sectors across Rwanda. These return to Japan after two years’ experience and knowledge of the country as Ambassadors who promote people-to-people connection between Rwanda and Japan. Japan has been one of the reliable partners in Rwanda’s post-genocide reconstruction; and implementation of Rwanda’s Vision 2020 and the current Vision 2050. Since 2005, JICA has intervened in 22 projects valued at more than $201 million. Between 2022 and 2026, it is projected that Japan through JICA will have supported 42 domestic projects and 3 East African integration projects worthy over $337 million. The projects focus on critical development priorities for Rwanda in economic infrastructure, agriculture, energy, water and sanitation, education, ICT and private sector development. Notable projects include Rusumo – Kayonza road, Ngoma – Ramiro Road, Nzove – Ntora principal water transmission pipeline, electricity transmission lines and substations, WASAC utility turn-around with Kaizan approach project and projects to promote basic education, early child-hood development and nutrition. The relationship between the two countries continues to flourish under the current challenging global context including on issues of climate change, implementation of sustainable development goals, coronavirus pandemic, global peace keeping and security. Q. What areas do you think we can put our efforts more? (Ambassador RWAMUCYO) The most important driver of growth for Rwanda will be foreign direct investment. Rwanda looks to tap into Japan’s private sector investment. The country has significant amount of capital and renowned corporates and financial institutions. Rwanda’s strategic investments in infrastructure like the Kigali International Financial Centre and Kigali Innovation City would greatly benefit from Japan’s resources and technology. Our embassies in Kigali and Tokyo continue to work in tandem with Rwanda Development Board to promote investment opportunities in Rwanda and to woo Japanese investors. There is already good progress with Japanese businesses collaborating with Rwandan private sector partners in areas of start-ups in the ICT sector, innovation and technology development. (Ambassador IMAI) I hope to see more Japanese business investing in Rwanda. By taking advantage of Rwanda’s pleasant climate and geography, some Japanese companies produce agriculture products and export them to the American and European markets, which contributes to the Rwandan economy, and I have been told that some of these products are quite popular. This started in small volume but it has been steadily increasing in quantity & quality over the last several years. Needless to say, Japan also continues to contribute to sustainable growth, poverty reduction and job creation in Rwanda through supporting “Economic Infrastructure Development”, “Agricultural Development”, “Social Service Improvement” and “Human Resources Development for Sustainable Growth and Job Creation”. Q. What do you want to achieve as Ambassador to develop our relationship? (Ambassador IMAI) Before I arrived here about two years ago, I received an order from the then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to boost up our bilateral economic cooperation. My journey is still halfway through to that goal, and I intend to do my best to produce tangible results in this commemorative year of the 60th anniversary of Friendship and of holding the TICAD 8 in this August. In my understanding Japan’s technology, discipline and ethics as well as finance are what Rwanda wants to introduce and invite from Japan. I will work to build mutually supportive economic cooperation and win-win bilateral relation, which makes our two countries enjoy the fruits of our efforts and mutual benefits. (Ambassador RWAMUCYO) The relationship between Rwanda and Japan is strong and enduring. We will continue to nurture it and ensure it grows to even greater heights. Negotiation and signature of the bilateral investment treaty and avoidance of double taxation agreement between Rwanda and Japan will be very important milestones for the two countries. These will create an environment conducive for increased trade, investment and technology exchange. Our countries will also work for continued people-to-people and cultural connection between our citizens. Q. Any message for readers? (Ambassador IMAI) We have a saying in Japanese, “Sanpo Yoshi”, which shows a business philosophy; meaning a triple-win for the buyer, the seller, and society. As it applies exactly the same with diplomacy, I would like to put our efforts together to realize a triple-win for Japan, Rwanda and the world. Rwanda is full of the motivated youth and women and I expect that they will play more important roles in the future. I believe that if we work together on our mutual trust which has been nurtured through a lot of exchanges and collaborations on various levels in the past 60 years, we can make a big difference. (Ambassador RWAMUCYO) Celebration of 60 years of bilateral relations between Rwanda and Japan is an important milestone for the two countries and our people. This remains an exemplary relationship built on mutual trust, respect and solidarity. It continues to be productive and mutually beneficial for the people of Rwanda and Japan. We encourage our people to reap the benefits of this flourishing friendship through increased trade and business connection, people-to-people contact and cultural exchange. We look to increased travel and tourism between the two countries. Ambassador Rwamucyo and Hachimantai City Mayor with Gentian Flower. / Courtesy Ambassador Masahiro IMAI visiting JICA Irrigation project in Rwamagana District. / Courtesy

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FEATURED: Rwanda, Japan envoys share reflections as two countries clock 60 years of cooperation