Rwanda to open diplomatic mission in Hungary

President Paul Kagame has said that Rwanda will open a diplomatic mission in Hungary in the near future with a view to strengthen existing bilateral ties.

The Head of State made the disclosure on Sunday 16th as he received his counterpart of Hungary, Katalin Novák who has spent days during her visit to Rwanda.

Kagame said that discussions with Katalin Novák focused on making bilateral ties even stronger for the benefit of both countries’ people.

“At this point, I want to mention that Rwanda intends to open diplomatic presence in Budapest very soon,” he stated.

The President disclosed that the aim is to enable the creation of jobs, foster an enabling environment for businesses.

Both countries also signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on the training of Rwandan experts on atomic and peaceful use of nuclear energy, a Stipendium Hungaricum agreement as well as a loan facility agreement on upgrading of the Karenge water treatment plant in Rwamagana.

Kagame said that the cooperation between Rwanda and Hungary in the field of education is very important where 41 Rwandans have so far received scholarships to study in Hungary universities noting that it was agreed to extend the programme during discussions with Novák.

“We appreciate that. We’ll also be working with Hungary to train Rwandans in the field of nuclear energy, an important component of our future energy plants,” Kagame said.

“Through the new agreements signed, we are committed to build on this shared vision and create mutually beneficial opportunities for the people of Rwanda and Hungary. We appreciate the significant loan provided by Hungary to upgrade the Karenge water treatment plant. We hope to benefit from Hungary’s expertise in water management,” he added.

President Novák who is the first Hungarian President to visit Rwanda said that her country is a doorway to the European Union, just like Rwanda is a doorway to the African continent, that makes the situation of the two countries unique.

“Hungary is bigger in size, but our population is almost similar. We need to focus on how we cooperate based on a mutual respect because that is what we can offer as Hungarians, the respect for you, for your way of life, for your people and for your nation; and that is what we expect also from our allies. It is this mutual respect background which our corporation already lies on and which it is going to fly on in the future as well,” she said.

Hungary recently opened a trade and counselor mission in Kigali. Novák expressed delight that Kagame has also expressed willingness to open diplomatic presence in Budapest and welcomed the move.

Novák who is also in Rwanda to attend the ongoing Women Deliver Conference and she told President Kagame that: “Your Invitation to women deliver proof for our common commitment to empowering women. I thank you for what I have done in this respect.”

Novák also hailed Rwanda’s progress after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi owing to President Kagame’s visionary leadership.

Rwanda and Hungary enjoy diplomatic relations in the fields of investment, trade and air transport among others.

PM