Rwanda is in search of to deepen cooperation with the USA 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 have a good time the 250th anniversary of American independence and 64 years of diplomatic relations between the 2 nations.
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Nduhungirehe stated Rwanda is eager to discover sensible avenues of cooperation in house science, innovation and know-how.
“As a member of the Artemis Accords neighborhood (nations in search of to collaborate on future lunar missions, scientific analysis, technological improvement and broader house actions),” he stated, “Rwanda stays eager to discover sensible avenues of collaboration with NASA and appears ahead to figuring out mutually helpful initiatives that may contribute to scientific development, capability constructing and financial improvement.”
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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 absolutely licensed teleport in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the nation's rising curiosity in space-related infrastructure and companies.
Nduhungirehe stated house cooperation is a part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between Rwanda and the USA in strategic sectors.
“Over the previous decade, our cooperation has advanced right into a strategic relationship grounded in shared pursuits and a dedication to delivering tangible outcomes for our peoples,” he stated.
The minister famous that the 2 nations launched the primary Rwanda-US Strategic Bilateral Dialogue final yr, increasing engagement throughout well being, commerce, safety, schooling, know-how and funding.
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He additionally highlighted rising cooperation in important minerals, superior applied sciences and nuclear power, welcoming the current signing of a memorandum of understanding on strategic civil nuclear power cooperation.
“This vital step opens new avenues for collaboration in power safety, know-how switch, expertise improvement and innovation,” he stated.
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 the USA as indicators of deepening financial ties.
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The minister additionally welcomed the USA' choice earlier this yr to undertake the correct appellation of the 1994 Genocide in opposition to the Tutsi in Rwanda.
“This vital recognition honours the reality of historical past, pays respect to the victims and survivors, and contributes to the worldwide combat in opposition to genocide denial and distortion,” he stated.
Whereas the USA 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 visitors, in accordance with officers.
The occasion introduced collectively authorities officers, diplomats, enterprise leaders, members of the diplomatic corps and the American neighborhood in Rwanda to replicate on the rising partnership between the 2 nations 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 the USA. He additionally highlighted the evolution of US-Rwanda relations over the previous six a long time.
Armiger stated the partnership is more and more centred on a shared agenda of peace and prosperity.
“We’re very proud that the USA and Rwanda have a strategic partnership framed round a standard agenda of peace and prosperity. Each nations are exploring alternatives in important minerals, infrastructure improvement, healthcare and rising applied sciences which are more and more vital to future financial development,” he stated.
Armiger additionally mirrored on what he referred to as distinctive parallels between the histories of the 2 nations, noting that each commemorate defining moments of nationwide transformation on July 4.
“In the USA, July 4 is Independence Day. In Rwanda, July 4 is Liberation Day. Each of our nations perceive that our best power lies not in our divisions however in our shared identification and our shared future,” he stated.
Drawing comparisons between the 2 nations' nation-building journeys, Armiger stated each Rwanda and the USA have relied on unity, resilience and a dedication to steady enchancment to form their improvement paths.
“We have a look at Rwanda's trajectory during the last three a long time and see the identical forward-looking outlook. By means of the spirit of Agaciro, Rwanda has proven what it means to rebuild with dignity and self-reliance,” he stated.
He added that the USA stays dedicated to supporting Rwanda's improvement ambitions via deeper financial, technological and people-to-people partnerships.
