Rwanda is searching for to deepen cooperation with america in house exploration and innovation, with officers pointing to potential collaboration with NASA and fellow Artemis Accords companions as an rising space of bilateral relations.
This ambition was highlighted by the Minister of International Affairs and Worldwide Cooperation Olivier Nduhungirehe on Thursday, June 4, throughout a reception hosted by the US Embassy in Kigali to rejoice the 250th anniversary of American independence and 64 years of diplomatic relations between the 2 international locations.
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Nduhungirehe mentioned Rwanda is eager to discover sensible avenues of cooperation in house science, innovation and know-how.
“As a member of the Artemis Accords group (international locations searching for to collaborate on future lunar missions, scientific analysis, technological growth and broader house actions),” he mentioned, “Rwanda stays eager to discover sensible avenues of collaboration with NASA and appears ahead to figuring out mutually useful initiatives that may contribute to scientific development, capability constructing and financial growth.”
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The remarks come at a time when Rwanda is more and more investing in its house sector.
On Wednesday, Rwanda's teleport facility acquired Tier 3 Certification from the World Teleport Affiliation, changing into the primary totally licensed teleport in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the nation's rising curiosity in space-related infrastructure and providers.
Nduhungirehe mentioned house cooperation is a part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between Rwanda and america in strategic sectors.
“Over the previous decade, our cooperation has developed right into a strategic relationship grounded in shared pursuits and a dedication to delivering tangible outcomes for our peoples,” he mentioned.
The minister famous that the 2 international locations launched the primary Rwanda-US Strategic Bilateral Dialogue final yr, increasing engagement throughout well being, commerce, safety, training, know-how and funding.
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He additionally highlighted rising cooperation in important minerals, superior applied sciences and nuclear vitality, welcoming the current signing of a memorandum of understanding on strategic civil nuclear vitality cooperation.
“This necessary step opens new avenues for collaboration in vitality safety, know-how switch, expertise growth and innovation,” he mentioned.
Nduhungirehe additional pointed to growing American funding in Rwanda, citing the expansion of the American Chamber of Commerce in Rwanda and up to date exports of important minerals to america as indicators of deepening financial ties.
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The minister additionally welcomed america' determination earlier this yr to undertake the correct appellation of the 1994 Genocide in opposition to the Tutsi in Rwanda.
“This necessary recognition honours the reality of historical past, pays respect to the victims and survivors, and contributes to the worldwide struggle in opposition to genocide denial and distortion,” he mentioned.
Whereas america formally celebrates Independence Day on July 4, the reception in Kigali was held on June 4, for logistical causes and to permit broader participation from invited friends, in keeping with officers.
The occasion introduced collectively authorities officers, diplomats, enterprise leaders, members of the diplomatic corps and the American group in Rwanda to replicate on the rising partnership between the 2 international locations and alternatives in rising sectors.
Talking on the occasion, John Armiger, the Chargé d'Affaires on the US Embassy, described the celebration as a historic milestone for america. He additionally highlighted the evolution of US-Rwanda relations over the previous six a long time.
Armiger mentioned the partnership is more and more centred on a shared agenda of peace and prosperity.
“We’re very proud that america and Rwanda have a strategic partnership framed round a standard agenda of peace and prosperity. Each international locations are exploring alternatives in important minerals, infrastructure growth, healthcare and rising applied sciences which can be more and more necessary to future financial development,” he mentioned.
Armiger additionally mirrored on what he known as distinctive parallels between the histories of the 2 international locations, noting that each commemorate defining moments of nationwide transformation on July 4.
“In america, July 4 is Independence Day. In Rwanda, July 4 is Liberation Day. Each of our nations perceive that our best energy lies not in our divisions however in our shared identification and our shared future,” he mentioned.
Drawing comparisons between the 2 international locations' nation-building journeys, Armiger mentioned each Rwanda and america have relied on unity, resilience and a dedication to steady enchancment to form their growth paths.
“We have a look at Rwanda's trajectory over the past three a long time and see the identical forward-looking outlook. Via the spirit of Agaciro, Rwanda has proven what it means to rebuild with dignity and self-reliance,” he mentioned.
He added that america stays dedicated to supporting Rwanda's growth ambitions via deeper financial, technological and people-to-people partnerships.
