New envoys present credentials

Three new ambassadors accredited to Rwanda have pledged unwavering support to the country’s development process. The envoys are Peter Fahrenhotz (Germany), Leoni Cuelenaere (the Netherlands) and Archbishop Luciano Russo, the new Papal Nuncio to Rwanda.Speaking to journalists shortly after presenting his credentials to President Paul Kagame, yesterday, Ambassador Fahrenhotz said he will encourage German businessmen to invest in Rwanda.“I am looking to the future progress of Rwanda and nothing makes more sense than starting with the economy. Over the next three years, my agenda is to attract more private business partnerships between Rwandan and German entrepreneurs. Investing in Rwanda will generate employment opportunities, raise national production and improve the economy,” Fahrenhotz said.“Germany is a firm believer in African solutions for African problems which is indicated in our firm support of the African Union and its initiatives. The Government of Rwanda is also committed to developing local solutions and that is why we shall support strategic institutional projects which we believe have the solutions”.Archbishop Russo pledged to help improve the local Catholic Church’s ability to cater for the needs of the faithful.“I have been in Rwanda since May, but it’s now that I am starting my official mission – to be the bridge between Rwanda and the Holy Father. The Roman Catholic Church has had a good relationship with the Government (of Rwanda), so far, and we intend to make it better by empowering the Church, which will, in turn, have a positive impact on the lives of Rwandans,” Russo said.The new Dutch Ambassador, Leoni Cuelenaere, said her mandate was to ensure that relations between the two countries were genuine for bilateral mutual interests to thrive.“I am not here to just sit in my office and carry out diplomatic duties but to put everything to action and work towards bettering the lives of Rwandans. For the last eight years, our relationship has been exceptional and although there was a little blip recently, where my government suspended potions of aid to Rwanda, both countries have a good relationship and openly tackle every development that comes up,” she said.

National

New envoys present credentials