The Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Vincent Biruta received copies of Letters of Credence of Julie Crowley, High Commissioner-designate of Canada to Rwanda.
Julie Crowley was appointed High Commissioner in the Republic of Rwanda on 13 December 2023. Ms. Crowley replaces Christopher Thornley.
Canada is strengthening its diplomatic relationship with Rwanda by converting the Canadian office in Kigali into a High Commission.
Canada and Rwanda collaborate on a wide range of issues, including environmental protection, peacekeeping, trade and investment promotion, and cooperation within multilateral organizations, such as La Francophonie and the Commonwealth.
Canada supported the creation of the Rwanda National University in the city of Butare in 1963. Post-genocide, Canada supported efforts to re-establish Rwanda’s social institutions and infrastructure.
In 2004, the Canadian Parliament declared April 7 as a Day of Remembrance of the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
In 2019, the Canadian Parliament unanimously adopted a motion to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the genocide and to formally designate April 7 as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. (End)