Speaking after the handover and takeover ceremony at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mushikiwabo said she is happy the Ministry she had led for the last nine years ‘‘stays in good hands.’’
Addressing her former workmates at MINAFFET, Mushikiwabo said, “I acclaim Minister Sezibera to you. He is not new. He is a good person with praiseworthy behaviors. You are in good hands. He is a hard worker. I am leaving happily because the Ministry stays in good hands.”
“I usually hate biding the farewells and relocating. I would like to say we worked well with each other. My wish is to see the Ministry keep developing and I have no doubt that will be as all the requirements are available. This is not an easy job. Just keep up your commitment and the love of the work,” she added.
After handing over the instruments of office, Mushikiwabo hugged Sezibera as she whispered into his ears and then smiled, attracting the full applause from all participants who were present at the ceremony.
Dr. Richard Sezibera who becomes the 21st Foreign Minister of Rwanda since independence commended Mushikiwabo for the job she has done in the Ministry.
“I thank Mushikiwabo for her performance in the Ministry. There are so many foreign Ministers but there not those who are like Mushikiwabo. I know we will keep working with each other,” he said.
Sezibera said Rwanda’s diplomacy has got a good vision and it is equipped with the energy and the hope for the future it derives from its history.
“As the country develops, diplomacy also develops. We are in the diplomacy respected by foreign nations and with the clear vision of 2050.
Dr. Sezibera urged his fellow workers to serve the country as a general duty.
“It requires us to work faster than others. Our weaknesses should not hinder us to achieve our vision. My office is open for ideas and, please come and we talk to collaborate,” he said.
In 1999, Sezibera was appointed Ambassador of Rwanda to the USA with concurrent accreditation to Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil. He served in the Office of the President of Rwanda as Special Envoy to the African Great Lakes Region and Senior Advisor to the President of Rwanda among many other official duties.
In 2008, he was appointed Minister of Health, a position he held until 2011 when he was appointed the East 4th African Community Secretary General. He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs while he worked as a Senator on the South Province slot.
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