RWANDAN Ambassador to Zimbabwe, James Musoni, has described the relationship between Harare and Kigali as a strategic and mutually beneficial alliance that continues to yield tangible results for both nations.
Speaking in Harare during the 32nd anniversary of Rwanda’s Liberation Day, Musoni said the two countries have successfully expanded their cooperation in key sectors, including healthcare, sustainable energy, education, and trade facilitation.
The ambassador noted that initiatives like the reciprocal exchange of educational professionals are clear examples of what African nations can achieve when working together.
“The Governments of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Republic of Rwanda share a steadfast commitment to deepening our bilateral ties. Anchored by the visionary leadership of our respective Heads of State, our partnership has evolved into a strategic and mutual beneficial alliance,” he said.
Liberation Day, also known as Kwibohora, marks the historic event on July 4, 1994, when the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), led by President Paul Kagame, stopped the genocide against the Tutsi and restored hope to the nation.
Musoni said the day is a celebration of the resilience and determination of Rwandans to rebuild their country through reconciliation, accountability, and inclusive development, overcoming the legacy of past regimes that promoted ethnic division and hate.
“Kwibohora is therefore much more than the celebration of a military victory. It is a celebration of resilience, unity, courage, patriotism and the determination of Rwandans to rebuild their country through reconciliation, good governance, accountability, and inclusive development,” Musoni added.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Amon Murwira, who was the guest of honour at the event, congratulated Rwanda on its remarkable reconstruction and economic transformation over the last three decades.
- Looming showdown between teachers, Govt
- In the groove: ‘Devera Ngwena’ resurfaces at GZU graduation ceremony
- Project tackles sexual rights at colleges
- Looming showdown between teachers, Govt
Keep Reading
In his speech, Murwira said Zimbabwe deeply shares and pursues Rwanda’s core values of peace, prosperity, and national cohesion.
"Over the years, our bilateral relations have continued to deepen across a broad range of sectors, including education, agriculture, energy, trade and investment," Murwira said, adding that the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) remains vital for unlocking new opportunities.
Murwira explained that Zimbabwe’s foreign policy is guided by the constitutional doctrine of being a "friend to all and an enemy to none," focusing on economic diplomacy and peaceful dispute resolution.
“On Rwanda and Zimbabwe relations, we are further guided by the pan-African values that Zimbabwe pursues and are codified in section 12, subsection 2 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, that Zimbabwe pursues pan-African values, one Africa for all, which lives at peace with itself and with the rest of the world. Zimbabwe's foreign policy, guided by the Constitution of Zimbabwe, and our doctrine which implements it, which is called Friend to All and an Enemy to None, founded on Section 12 of the Constitution, that Zimbabwe shall pursue its national interest in peace, peaceful coexistence with its neighbors near and far, and at the same time, resolution of all international disputes, if they okay, through peaceful means,” he added.
Murwira also emphasized the importance of sustainable wildlife conservation, thanking Rwanda for backing Southern Africa’s approach to utilising wildlife resources, such as elephants, to benefit local communities and ensure their long-term preservation.
The commemoration was attended by senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions, and members of the Rwandan community living in Zimbabwe.
