{{Rwandans and friends of Rwanda in Japan on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2014, celebrated 52nd Anniversary of the independence and 20th Liberation Day, which was attended by 150 people including Japanese Government officials, Member of Diplomatic Corps based in Tokyo, members of private sector, academia and civil society, as well as some Rwandans living in Japan.}}
The event was organized by the Embassy of Rwanda in Japan.
The Government of Japan was represented by Honorable Hiroshi Yamamoto, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Finance, among other dignitaries.
Ambassador Dr. Charles Murigande in his remarks said, “This is an opportunity for Rwandans to reflect on our country’s post-independence history; the challenges and struggles as well as the failures and successes we have encountered since our independence on 1st of July 1962 and to draw lessons that help us persevere on our current journey towards a brighter future for our country.”
He added that it is painful that Rwanda wasted three decades during which the immediate post-independence regimes implemented sectarian and divisive policies that resulted into the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Emphasized that over the last 20 years, the people of Rwanda have demonstrated unprecedented resilience and have made commendable progress towards building a reconciled, united, stable, peaceful, democratic and prosperous new nation.
Amb. Dr. Muringande explained that Rwanda today is also a fast developing country with sustained high economic growth and one of the best business environments in the world.
He also mentioned that Rwanda is also a responsible global citizen making highly appreciated contribution to world peace through various U.N. peacekeeping operations in Sudan, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Guinea Bissau, etc.
Quoting H.E. President Paul Kagame, Amb. Dr. Murigande, observed that Rwanda’s rapid turnaround is the result of 3 fundamental choices that the people of Rwanda have made.
Firstly, we chose to stay together as a people when many around the world were calling for the split of Rwanda into a Hutu-land and a Tutsi-land.
Secondly, we chose to put in place a transparent and accountable system of governance that empowers local communities, the women and the youth and has a zero tolerance for corruption.
Thirdly, we chose to dream big for our country and to believe in our inherent capacity to achieve our dreams, including our development.
He also Indicated that Rwanda has established and maintained excellent relations with Japan for the last 52 years; used the opportunity to express Rwanda’s gratitude to Japan for its commitment to the development of Africa in general and that of Rwanda in particular.
He added that Japan’s commitment to Africa is demonstrated through its pledge of US$ 3.2 billion to Africa’s development over the 5 years made TICAD V and the recent visit Prime Minister to Africa, accompanied by Captains of major industries.
Amb. Murigande said he hoped that this will translate into increased Japan’s investments into Africa in general and Rwanda in particular.
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Japan, Hon. Hiroshi Yamamoto, Parliamentary Secretary for Finance said that during his visit to Rwanda to attend the Annual General Asseambly of the African Development Bank May 2014, he was very much impressed by Rwanda’s development.
He underlined that for any country to ensure sustainable growth and development should focus on empowerment of women and youth; saying that Rwanda is exactly doing this.
He particularly highlighted the empowerment of Youth through what he observed at K-Lab and said that Japan should emulate Rwanda.
He also reiterated the commitment of the Government of Japan to continue working with and supporting Rwanda in its quest for development.
Speaking on behalf of members of Japan-Rwanda Parliamentary Friendship League, its Deputy Chairman, Hon. Asahiko MIHARA, Member of Parliament, expressed their commitment to continue supporting Rwanda’s development.
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