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Belgian FM visits Rwanda to strengthen bilateral ties

Xinhua, June 9, 2016 Adjust font size:

Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders arrived in Rwanda on Wednesday for a two-day visit to strengthen bilateral friendship and cooperation with the small central African country.

Reynders, accompanied by members of his delegation on Thursday, held a bilateral meeting with Rwandan Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo.

He arrived in Rwanda after a two-day visit in the neighbouring Tanzania.

Speaking to reporters shortly after meeting Mushikiwabo, the Belgian minister said that Rwanda and Belgium enjoy cordial bilateral relations and the visit was a great moment for the two nations.

"It is symbolic to look together to the past, and then look forward to forge a stronger partnership as two countries that have a lot in common. It is essential that both countries deepen their understandings of each other's narrative," he added.

Strengthening ties with Rwanda was at the front of the visit that Belgium is opening up in deepening its political and economic ties with the post genocide country.

"We are delighted to receive Belgian delegation. Belgium is a close partner of Rwanda and both countries share strong history. We just concluded bilateral discussions in the context of constant dialogue between two countries," said Mushikiwabo.

She noted that the discussions dwelt on trade between the two countries, regional and global stability among others.

Rwanda, recognized by the World Bank reports as one of the fastest growing economies in the World, has seen frequent visits from the powerful nations and economic giants of Asia, Europe and the Middle East two decades after the 1994 genocide.

Before meeting Mushikiwabo, Reynders held discussions with Rwanda minister of trade and industry, Francois Kanimba and Belgian investors in Kigali.

The Belgian foreign minister also visited and paid respect to genocide victims laid to rest at the Kigali Genocide Memorial centre, and also held discussions with Rwanda minister of sports and culture Julienne Uwacu and civil society organizations.

Belgium supports Rwanda in education and health sectors and leadership decentralization programs.

Last year, Belgium aided Rwanda with a grant worth 14.3 million euros (abut 16 million U.S. dollars), aimed at helping the government improve institutional capacity and expertise within priority sectors, especially energy and health services. Endit