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Ambassadors

Rwanda's Liberation Day Commemorated in Pakistan: Renewed Commitment to South-South Cooperation

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Rwandan Ambassador to Pakistan, Harerimana Fatou, reflected on the country's liberation journey since 1994, a path marked by resilience, unity, and transformation, as the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR) organized an event to commemorate Rwanda's Liberation Day. The event brought together key speakers, including Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President PAIDAR, and Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary (Africa), Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan (MOFA). The speakers highlighted Rwanda's commitment to inclusive growth, peace, sustainable development, and international cooperation, as well as the deepening Pakistan-Rwanda relationship in diverse areas, including trade, education, and tourism.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rwanda has made significant progress in fostering inclusive governance, digital advancement, social cohesion, and sustainable development since the 1994 genocide, earning it a reputation as a model of post-conflict recovery and institutional reform.
  • The Pakistan-Rwanda relationship has deepened in recent years, marked by the establishment of resident missions in both countries and cooperation in sectors such as trade, agriculture, higher education, healthcare, technology, and professional training.
  • Rwanda's Liberation Day is a symbol of the country's journey towards healing, reconciliation, and national transformation, and serves as a reminder of the international community's failure during the 1994 genocide.
  • The event highlighted the potential for enhanced engagement between Pakistan, Rwanda, and the broader African continent, with a focus on South-South cooperation and the "Engage Africa" policy.
  • Key drivers of deeper economic, cultural, and educational ties between Pakistan and Rwanda include high-level visits, business delegations, and scholarships for Rwandan students.
  • Trade between Pakistan and Rwanda has increased from $34 million to $127 million, reflecting the growing strength of bilateral relations.
  • Pakistan has a longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping in Africa, including in Rwanda, as part of its commitment to peace, stability, and progress on the continent.

Statistics:

  • $34 million: Trade between Pakistan and Rwanda in (unspecified year)
  • $127 million: Trade between Pakistan and Rwanda (current year)
  • 3 major genocides in the last 30 years: Rwanda, Bosnia, and ongoing genocide in Gaza
  • 31st anniversary of Rwanda's Liberation Day
  • 1 million lives lost in the 1994 Rwandan genocide
  • 1 million: Poverty reduction target achieved by Rwanda (unspecified year)

Sources:

  • Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
  • Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR)
  • Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan (MOFA)

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