Japanese minister pledges support

Tokyo – The Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Hirofumi Hirano, recently expressed his interest in Rwanda’s education sector, pledging support and advocacy role. Minister Hirano, who is also a Congressman, is currently the chair of the Japan-Rwanda Parliamentary Friendship Association, made the pledge while meeting Prof. Romain Murenzi, the Executive Director of Third World Academy of Science (TWAS). Prof.Murenzi was once Rwanda’s ICT minister before he took over the leadership of the UN-backed institution, based in Italy.“By chance, now I am the chairman of Japan-Rwanda Parliamentary Friendship Association, so that I feel familiarity with your country, Rwanda. I am strongly interested in science education in developing countries including Rwanda,” Hirano said during the meeting. He said he was especially familiar with certain projects in Rwanda, including works on the renovation of the Central Corridor, which links Rwanda to the port of Dar es Salaam, works that have the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) as a partner. “I know the Central Corridor needs rehabilitation. I am pushing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and JICA to decide on it soon.” Meanwhile, Prof. Murenzi thanked him on behalf of his country, for supporting TWAS, saying that they are currently have two scientists as their members, adding that they needed more support from the Japanese government. Murenzi’s visit was partly organised by the Rwandan Ambassador to Japan, Dr Charles Murigande, and the Japan Rwanda Parliamentary Friendship Association.

National

Japanese minister pledges support