Embassy of UAE (United Arab Emirates) in Kigali celebrated on 02 December the UAE 52nd Union Day, and Ambassador of UAE, Hazza Alqahtani, announced that Trade and Investment remain as key pillars for Rwanda and the UAE cooperation, and the delegate of Rwanda in the ceremony, Minister of Trade, Jean-Chrysostome Ngabitsinze, appreciated the cooperation between the two countries in main sectors, like Trade, Education and other sectors. Read below the Speech of the Ambassador Alqahtani:
Good evening once again and it is an honor for me to welcome you to our celebration of the UAE’s 52nd Union Day.
• The UAE commemorates its Union Day on 2nd December, which marks the formation of the federation and the initiation of the unification of the Emirates in 1971. On this date in 1971, the leaders of the Emirates signed an accord to unite the seven Emirates, transitioning from independent states into a single prosperous nation.
• His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, announced this year as the “Year of Sustainability” with the theme “Today, for Tomorrow” to underscore the country’s commitment to sustainable practices.
• The “Year of Sustainability” is centered on intensifying awareness of environmental issues, fostering positive lifestyle shifts, and engaging the public in three critical domains: endorsing mindful consumption, advancing environmental preservation endeavors, and driving collective efforts to counter climate change.
• The Year of Sustainability underscores the UAE’s dedication to fostering international cooperation to tackle challenges related to sustainability and its influential role in pioneering innovative solutions for a more thriving future for the global community.
• The UAE is soon hosting the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) at Expo City Dubai from 30th November until 12th December.
• Through this global conference, the UAE will prioritize accelerating sustainable development goals and expanding the scope of energy transformations. The focus is on ensuring that the outcome of this global event consists of actionable mechanisms, not just promises, by translating agreements into tangible realities and achievements.
• The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a leading model in the field of sustainable economic development on the global stage. It adopts ambitious strategies aimed at achieving a balance among economic growth, prosperity, and environmental preservation. The nation has achieved an unprecedented milestone in its foreign trade during the first half of 2023, hitting over AED 1.239 trillion and marking an increase of 14.4% in comparison to the previous year.
• The UAE is actively pursuing the establishment of a knowledge driven and diversified economy, strengthened by scientific and technological advancements. It is committed to bolstering the economy’s resilience and sustainability while seeking novel opportunities, based on the conviction that robust partnerships are instrumental in fostering regional prosperity and unlocking extensive economic possibilities.
• To realize this forward-looking vision and ambitious goals, the UAE has formalized comprehensive economic partnerships with several active global economies, including India, Indonesia, Israel, Turkey, Georgia, and Cambodia. Moreover, the UAE is in the process of negotiating additional partnerships with a number of countries to be finalized by the year’s end.
• The UAE diplomatic efforts are grounded in culture, education, and innovation, seeking to adopt innovative and effective diplomatic strategies that align with challenges and opportunities. The efforts and commitments made by the UAE regarding the protection of human heritage, such as its recent partnership with the African World Heritage Fund to support the preservation of cultural and natural heritage of exceptional global value in Africa, highlight the country’s dedication.
• The UAE has achieved significant milestones in the field of human rights and continues to forge ahead for the next fifty years to enhance its efforts to maintain its position as one of the best countries in the world for living and working. This is in line with its forward-looking vision and its focus on social and cultural diversity.
• The UAE is committed to supporting mediation efforts, elevate diplomatic solutions for conflicts, and preempt challenges. It aims to achieve the objectives of the Security Council in safeguarding international peace and security.
• The UAE recognizes the importance of maintaining an international system founded on state sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
• The UAE co-authored the historical Resolution No. 2686 on Tolerance, Peace, and International Security during its second presidency of the Council in June 2023 along with the United Kingdom. The resolution acknowledges for the first time the direct link between hate speech and extremist actions with the proliferation of conflicts, their exacerbation and recurrence.
• Since the founding of the Federation, the UAE has been keen to strengthen and expand its international relations, through close cooperation with international organizations, and has become a member of more than 150 international organizations in various sectors of international cooperation.
• The UAE’s accession to the BRICS group in 2024 will reflect its keenness on multilateralism in supporting peace and development to achieve the well-being and prosperity of peoples and nations around the world.
Bilateral Relations between the UAE & Rwanda: The United Arab Emirates & Rwanda continue to enjoy excellent bilateral relations. Both countries have cooperation in various sectors, such as Education, Hospitality, Trade and Investment and aviation.
Generally, trade and investment remain as key pillars for Rwanda and the UAE cooperation. The UAE is currently Rwanda’s leading trade partner and over the last 10 years, trade has grown tenfold to US$ 1.09 billion in 2022. In the past year, Dubai’s non-oil exports to Rwanda reached a value of US$ 143.8 million, while exports from Rwanda to Dubai exceeded US$ 514.5 million.
As far as investment is concerned, several UAE companies registered their businesses with RDB with investment commitments valued at 248 million USD.
Honorable Minister, Excellences, Distinguished Guests, May peace and God’s mercy and blessings be upon you. Thank you so much for being with us today. (End)