Kigali - The 12th Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation between Rwanda and the State of Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany took place in Kigali between 21-22 February 2024, co-chaired by Hon. Musabyimana Jean Claude, Minister of Local Government and Hon. Heike Raab, Secretary of State of Rhineland-Palatinate for Federal and European Affairs and Media.

The meeting brings together various government institutions, NGOs and private sector from both states to look at the achievements registered through the partnership, and agree on key priorities of intervention in the next five years of the partnership.

Rwanda and Rhineland-Palatinate enjoy a fruitful cooperation since 1982. The bilateral partnership focuses on knowledge and cultural exchange, education, sports, tourism, trade promotion, and humanitarian and developmental initiatives, among others. At least, 2,200 projects worth over 80 million euros have been implemented in 174 sectors, across different districts of Rwanda.

In her remarks, Secretary of State Heike Raab, expressed that since the beginning of the partnership, hundreds of contacts have been established between Rhineland-Palatinate and Rwanda municipalities, schools, churches, associations, universities, and other institutions.

“Partnership activities have focused primarily on education and training, supporting women and children, improving medical infrastructure and healthcare, environmental protection and nature conservation, renewable energies and promoting local economic development.” Raab said

Secretary of State Raab also emphasized on shared vision to deepen the existing contacts between the partners in Rwanda and Rhineland-Palatinate and strengthen the friendship between the two countries.

Minister Musabyimana Jean Claude, on behalf of the Government of Rwanda, commended the historical bilateral cooperation that exists between both states, founded on the principles of solidarity and a shared vision of improving the quality of life for the people of both countries.

“This platform has paved the way for many more years of fruitful, dynamic, and diverse cooperation for mutual benefit between Rwanda and Rhineland-Palatinate most importantly in the new fields of ICT and innovation for job creation; Training of Rwandan medical staff; Boosting our tourism, environment, and renewable energies industries; Improving Rwandan agriculture; Leveraging Ejo Connect to “The future is youth”; Facilitating people-to-people cooperation among others.” Minister said

The 12th Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation between Rwanda and the state of Rhineland-Palatinate concluded with positive resolutions and a joint declaration co-signed by both sides.

Apart from participating in 12th Joint Permanent Commission, the delegation from Germany also visited various projects supported through the partnership in different districts.

For more pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBeUyi

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