New Japanese envoy presents credentials

The new Japanese Ambassador to Rwanda, has said he is ready to begin his work in cementing economic and political bilateral ties between Japan and Rwanda.Amb. Kazuya Ogawa made the remarks yesterday while presenting his credentials to President Paul Kagame.“My aim is to further promote Japan’s good relations with Rwanda, especially our economic assistance to Rwanda in areas like water supply, energy and health,” Ogawa said.“Secondly I will endeavour to enhance more private investment of Japanese companies in Rwanda. I will persuade Japanese companies to look for ventures in agriculture and ICT here in order to promote trade partnership.”Amb. Ogawa replaces Amb. Kunio Hatanaka who has been Japan’s representative in Rwanda for almost three years.Rwanda and Japan celebrated the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties in 2005 when Rwanda reopened its embassy in Japan.The cooperation between Rwanda and Japan has been steadily growing and covers different sectors notably rural and human resources development, especially through the current permanent JICA office in Rwanda. Several Rwandans regularly benefit from short to long-term training in Japan. Rwanda companies have also been actively involved in various Japan trade fairs marketing the Rwanda premium coffee and tea as well as the famous Mountain Gorilla among many others.World Vision boss salutes developmentMeanwhile, , Richard Stearns, president of World Vision International, an evangelical organisation said Rwanda’s steady pace towards economic and social development is hinged on good practical projects that target the poorest people.Stearns and a delegation of pastors from the USA are on a five day mission to Rwanda scheduled to conclude today.Yesterday, the delegation met with President Kagame at Village Urugwiro.He is here to assess World Vision Rwanda’s achievements and to explore further partnership initiatives in the country.World Vision has a large presence in Rwanda working on empowering communities in partnership with the government. I am very proud of the work World Vision is doing, especially on income generation focusing on children and their wellbeing,” Stearns said.“We have been visiting the country, assessed the projects we are working on together and we want to thank the President on the way our collaboration has gone and congratulate him on his progress in this country.”James Musoni, the Minister for Local Government, said that the work of World Vision, especially in empowering orphans and widows, is in line with government’s vision.“World Vision works in over 20 districts; their projects are in line with government’s projects and they are sincerely credible partners with the government on the development of Rwanda,” he said.

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New Japanese envoy presents credentials