Mushikiwabo highlights Rwanda foreign relations

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Louise Muhikiwabo has said that Rwanda has a good reputation in the face of foreigners where the country rose from being one of tragedy to becoming a respected state that is steadily realizing self development and meets her international obligations.

In her presentation themed; ‘The Rwanda we want in foreign affairs’ during the 14th National Dialogue ‘Umushyikirano’, Mushikiwabo talked about the image of Rwanda over the past 22 years and wat the country’s vision in foreign affairs is.

“We have migrated from being an isolated closed country towards opening up to new ideas, borders and nurturing politics of international relations that are cordia with many Rwandans going abroad and gaining knowledge, wealth among others and open our borders for foreigners,” she said.

Regarding joint collaboration, Mushikiwabo explained that Rwanda has since 2011 received 54 missions from individual countries which keep building the good reputation of the country.

Rwanda is progressing and improving cooperation. It has joined organizations like EAC, ECCOAS, and COMESA among others. The number of embassies based in Kigali rose from 17 in 1994 and reached 28 while 9 countries are represented by consulars.

Mushikiwabo explained that Rwanda has 34 embassies in 47 countries and international organizations while foreigners representing interests of Rwanda in foreign countries are 17.

Rwanda is a member of 201 international organizations.

Rwanda’s vision in foreign affairs

Minister Mushikiwabo explained that Rwanda is on the right path of building cordial foreign affairs and will keep increasing efforts in performance and identifying the vision of world politics, security and economy.

She said that through Rwanda Day and other platforms, Rwandan diaspora have continued contributing to the development of their country.

“We are on the way. What we do is seeking how to keep gradual progress in approaching and protecting Rwandans in foreign countries. Our country has been marked for being closer to all Rwandans living abroad,” she said.