Online Reporter
Africa Moyo
Deputy National Editor
ZIMBABWE and Rwanda enjoy excellent bilateral relations, which continue to blossom in critical sectors such as education and trade, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira has said.
He was speaking yesterday at Rwanda’s 31st Liberation Day anniversary in Harare.
Liberation Day, known as Kwibohora in Rwanda, is celebrated on July 4.
It came after the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), led by President Paul Kagame, launched an armed liberation struggle that ousted the Hutu-dominated regime in 1994, putting an end to the genocide.
Prof Murwira said 31 years down the line, Rwanda has made significant developments towards economic transformation led by President Kagame.
There has been remarkable success on Rwanda’s flagship programmes such as the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy and the National Strategy for Transformation.
“All these initiatives and many others have seen Rwanda rise to number 38 among 190 economies in ease of doing business and second place to do business in Africa,” he said.
Prof Murwira said economic and social development thrive in peaceful environments.
In respect to relations between Zimbabwe and Rwanda, he said close cooperation has subsisted in various strategic sectors, including education.
“It is also encouraging that trade and economic linkages between Zimbabwe and Rwanda are getting stronger.
“In this regard, we are proposing that together we create a robust trade ecosystem that drives economic growth and improves the livelihoods of citizens of both countries, mainly in areas such as agriculture, particularly agro-processing, fresh and processed horticultural products, the development of agro-industrial parks, in education, scientific and technical cooperation, mining and infrastructure development,” he said.
To achieve mutual prosperity, Prof Murwira said, the focus shall be on reducing trade barriers.
The two countries plan to convene their third Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) from August 4 to 6 in Kigali.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe James Musoni said Liberation Day was a turning point that restored dignity, hope and unity in their country.
“We honour and salute our heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.
Ambassador Musoni said their leadership has paid attention to the development of cooperation, partnerships and the promotion of a peaceful world.
He added that Rwanda and Zimbabwe enjoy “cordial and excellent bilateral relations”, adding that under Presidents Mnangagwa and Kagame, the relations have been deepened, evidenced not only by high-level visits, but also cooperation in sectors such as education, energy, justice, economics and social and cultural exchanges.
The event was attended by a number of senior Government officials and diplomats.
