Rwanda and Rhineland Palatinate celebrate 40 years of historical partnership between both states through the continuation of series of celebration events which had already began in May 2022 in Rhineland Palatinate.
On the 6th May 2022, Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda virtually joined the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Rwanda – Rhineland-Palatinate partnership.
At that event, President Kagame thanked the people of Rhineland-Palatinate for the contributions made to Rwanda’s development, especially through productive twinning partnerships with different Rwanda’s districts – which has seen a total of 2,126 projects worth 67,175,004 euros implemented.
“This relationship is reinforced by the good development partnership that Rwanda enjoys with Germany as a whole. Since 1982, a lot has changed in Rwanda, in Germany, and the wider world. As we look to the future of the partnership, we should look with fresh eyes at how we can best support each other.” President Kagame said.
Between 23 – 29 October 2022, the partnership is being celebrated in Rwanda through the various events and activities across the country with the presence of Rhineland Palatinate delegation led by the Minister President, Malu Dreyer.
The main celebration event takes place on Monday evening, 24 October 2022 in Kigali. The participants including Rwanda’s cabinet members, heads of development partners and civil society organizations and Rhineland-Palatinate delegation among others.
In his keynote address on behalf of the Government of Rwanda, Minister Vincent Biruta reiterated that Rwanda appreciates and values the contribution of Rhineland-Palatinate in the socio-economic development of Rwanda.
“This (celebration) is an opportunity to evaluate current partnerships but also discuss future perspectives and formulate new joint areas of cooperation and disseminate achievements of the partnership,” He said.
About Rwanda- Rhineland Palatinate Partnership
The partnership between Rwanda and Rhineland-Palatinate began in 1982 with mainly focus on the exchange of cultural, knowledge, friendship, emotional experience and skills through humanitarian and developmental initiatives.
In four decades, this twinning partnership has implemented a total of 2,126 projects worth 67,175,004 euros through six sectors including education, health, infrastructure, human capital development, and social and sector training.
The twinning partnership has been operational in 6 Sectors of the City of Kigali, 38 Sectors in the Southern Province, 51 Sectors in the Northern Province, 43 Sectors in Western Province and 36 Sectors in Eastern Province.
In the education sector, 377 Schools (including 16 TVETs constructed and supported) are partnering with Rhineland-Palatinate schools with the main focus on the construction of classrooms and latrines, computer labs and equipment, construction and equipment dining halls, dormitories, libraries, rainwater harvesting tanks, supporting the sports academies and material and supporting the centres for children with disabilities among others.
In the religious sector, three Dioceses and 13 parishes are working closely with their counterparts in Rhineland Palatinate.
In Health, construction projects and equipment of health centres, providing ambulances, and supporting poor people with health insurance through parishes have been also running over the year. (End)