German Delegation impressed by Rwanda’s Progress
Increased partnership in energy and affordable housing sectors underway
Rwanda, 15th October, 2012: President Paul Kagame hosted a 30-member delegation from the German state of Rhineland-Palatine at the village of Urugwiro, last weekend.
The German delegation, led by Roger Lewentz the Internal Affairs and Sports Minister of the Rhineland- Palatinate, was impressed by the President’s courtesy and fortitude. The delegation was on a one week visit to the country to celebrate 30 years of partnership with Rwanda.
President Kagame passionately welcomed the delegation, acknowledging Rwanda’s strong relationship with the German state, saying that such partnerships based on mutual respect, beneficial activities and valuing one another, is what everybody wants.
“It’s self evident, the results speak for themselves. Our intention is to welcome and work with you, as much as we can to take the relationship forward and strengthen it”, the President addressed the delegation.
“We are not only making good progress with support from friends like you and others elsewhere but also building on the desire and the energy of Rwandans who really want to make a difference in their lives. Our efforts <are> focused on empowering people so that they are not spoon fed. It’s about empowering women and the youth for future development, it’s about entrepreneurship and allowing people to do things that enrich them, creating the kind of infrastructure that will allow people to create and innovate.”, he added.
Speaking to Journalists shortly after meeting the President, Roger Lewentz, the head of the delegation, said he was impressed by the progress Rwanda has made in a very short period and looking forward to building a stronger partnership.
“We are committed to strengthening our partnerships and we want to expand our collaboration in the areas of education, health, and infrastructure among others,” Lewentz said.
Thanks to the resilience and determination of the Rwandan Patriotic Front that stopped the Genocide and embarked later at the end of July 1994 on establishing a government of national unity; Rwanda has achieved the extra-ordinary feat to claim a significant position among the community of nations. The RPF has journeyed down the rough road of nation-building and will be celebrating 25 years in December this year since its inception in 1987. Eighteen years since the genocide that shook the world, Rwanda is now well known for her rapid socio-economic reforms that have earned international accolades.
Delighted by the inspiring record of Rwanda-German cooperation, the Rhineland Palatinate administration pledged to invest in technical and vocational education and exchange programmes for both countries. They will also invest in energy, with a focus on renewable energy at the grassroot level. Other areas of partnership include urbanization of Kigali city and affordable housing technology.
