Rwanda & Barbados Sign Tourism MOU

Rwanda and Barbados have officially signed a tourism memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at bolstering the relationship between the two countries in the areas of heritage and sports tourism, and developing airlift.

The signing took place today at the Hilton Resort Barbados, on the sidelines of the morning session of the Business Mission – Rwanda to Barbados “Strengthening Economic and Cultural Ties”.

From left to right – Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board, Nelly Mukazayire; Rwanda’s Minister of State in Charge of the East African Community, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Professor Nshuti Manasseh; Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, Francine Blackman, pose for a photograph following the signing of the MOU.

Professor Manasseh, speaking about the signing, stressed: “I think what’s important is not simply signing the document. It’s how we implement what is in the document. And for us in Rwanda, that’s what’s important.

“We … cherish relationships, and when we start relationships we lead for good, for the good of our people and of course for the good of the host country’s needs, in this case, Barbados. And you definitely will not find a failing friend; you’re going to find a friend in Rwanda. We mean what we say and we say what we mean.”

He added that Rwanda and Barbados are small countries but not weak countries. “Our economies are doing very well. But we need to work together to be better, and for countries of our size, it’s always important to make sure that you reach out to others. And of course, Barbados became a natural choice for Rwanda, mainly because of relations between our two heads of state,” he said.

The Rwandan Minister of State expressed thanks to the Government of Barbados for the hospitality shown, and gave the assurance that Barbados could count on Rwanda to be a reliable partner.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, and Rwanda’s Minister of State in Charge of the East African Community at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Professor Nshuti Manasseh, explained that the MOU would not be just a formality but one that would be actioned for the betterment of both countries.

Mr. Gooding-Edghill said he was happy to concretise the development of a relationship in sports and heritage tourism as well as for airlift.

“This is the commencement of what we believe will be a long-standing relationship…. You have our commitment that the Government of Barbados and certainly that of the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, that we will do whatever we have to do behind the scenes to ensure that this is not only a signed document, but this is a working document that will bring mutual benefits to both countries. You have our word on that,” the Tourism Minister stated.

The agreement is expected to also foster continuous dialogue on ways to improve South/South relationships, as both countries seek to implement the areas identified in the MOU, inclusive of training in areas within the tourism industry, tourism investment, and multi-destination marketing.

In addition to the continuous dialogue, there will be activation teams from Barbados and Rwanda and familiarisation trips, to help build out the MOU.

PM