Pakistan and Rwanda Reaffirm Commitment to Expanding Bilateral Cooperation
Naveed Ahmad Khan Photos Sultan Bashir
ISLAMABAD: Barrister Aqeel Malik, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Law and Justice, congratulated the government and people of Rwanda on the occasion of their 32nd Liberation Day and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations with Rwanda. He addressed the gathering at the event.
The High Commission of the Republic of Rwanda in Pakistan celebrated _Kwibohora 32_, the 32nd Liberation Day of Rwanda, with a grand reception at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad on Saturday.
Mr. Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan H.E. Mr. Atadjan Movlamov, senior government officials, ambassadors, high commissioners, business leaders, academics, media representatives, members of the Rwandan community in Pakistan, and Friends of Rwanda also attended the event.
The Minister said Pakistan highly values its friendly relations with Rwanda and is keen to expand cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including defence, trade, investment, health, education, agriculture, tourism, information technology, and parliamentary diplomacy. He also appreciated the close coordination between the two countries at the United Nations and other international forums, particularly on issues related to peacekeeping, climate action, sustainable development, and regional stability.
Reflecting on the significance of _Kwibohora_, Barrister Aqeel Malik described it as a celebration of Rwanda’s successful journey from tragedy to unity, reconciliation, and socio-economic progress. He praised the resilience of the Rwandan people and acknowledged the country’s remarkable achievements in governance, economic development, and national reconstruction over the past three decades.
The minister expressed confidence that the growing partnership between Pakistan and Rwanda would continue to flourish through enhanced economic engagement, increased people-to-people contacts, and stronger institutional cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
Welcoming the distinguished guests, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, H.E. Harerimana Fatou, described _Kwibohora_ as a defining chapter in Rwanda’s history and a symbol of hope, resilience, and national unity. She paid tribute to the brave men and women who stopped the Genocide against the Tutsi and liberated the country, particularly honoring the soldiers of the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) who sacrificed their lives to restore peace and stability.
The High Commissioner said the courage, dedication, and patriotism of those who fought for Rwanda’s freedom would always remain a source of inspiration for future generations. She noted that under the visionary leadership of President Paul Kagame and the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), Rwanda has emerged as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies and a model of innovation, good governance, and sustainable development.
She highlighted that Rwanda has transformed itself into a gateway to Africa by investing in education, technology, infrastructure, healthcare, and economic reforms. She also underscored the country’s commitment to regional peace, international cooperation, and inclusive development, which has earned Rwanda growing recognition on the global stage.
A ceremonial cake-cutting was held to mark the 32nd Liberation Day, symbolizing Rwanda’s continued progress and the enduring friendship between the two countries. The celebration was attended by a large number of diplomats, senior government officials, members of parliament, representatives of the business community, civil society leaders, and members of the media, reflecting broad support for stronger Pakistan-Rwanda relations.
The evening also showcased Rwanda’s vibrant cultural heritage through traditional music and cultural performances, providing guests with an opportunity to experience the country’s rich traditions. A dedicated Rwandan Coffee Corner attracted significant attention, allowing visitors—particularly young participants—to sample Rwanda’s internationally acclaimed specialty coffee, one of the country’s most renowned agricultural exports.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment by both sides to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education, culture, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges. Participants expressed optimism that the strong friendship between Pakistan and Rwanda would continue to expand, creating new opportunities for collaboration and contributing to peace, prosperity, and sustainable development in both countries.
