Nepali Speaker of the House, Devraj Ghimire, has stated that the African nation Rwanda has become a successful and exemplary country in terms of good governance, rapid economic development, and sustainable peace.

Speaking at an event held in Kathmandu on Friday to mark the 31st Liberation Day of Rwanda, Speaker Ghimire remarked that although diplomatic relations between Nepal and Rwanda were established only a few years ago, there is great potential for both countries to benefit through cooperation in sectors such as tourism, energy, information technology, agriculture, and trade.

Recalling the irreparable losses both nations suffered due to past conflicts, he highlighted the notable contributions both Nepal and Rwanda have made in UN peacekeeping missions. He further emphasized that as least developed countries, it is essential to prioritize mutual cooperation and collaboration to uplift the living standards of their citizens.

Ambassador Jacqueline Mukangira, Rwanda’s non-resident ambassador to India and Nepal, stated that Rwanda has achieved rapid economic progress by prioritizing core values such as good governance, transparency, gender equality, and inclusive participation.

Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), stated that Nepal should learn from Rwanda’s approach of engaging the private sector and achieving remarkable progress in education, health, infrastructure, tourism, IT, and agriculture. Dhakal, who also serves as the Dean of Rwanda’s Honorary Consular Corps, shared that Rwanda’s per capita income, which was around USD 200 in 2015, has now increased to USD 800. He described the 10% GDP growth as a significant achievement.

Ram Kaji Khadka, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shared that since overcoming the violence and conflict of 1994, Rwanda has made unparalleled progress in ensuring internal stability and advancing in education, health, infrastructure, tourism, energy, and agriculture.

Prajwal Jung Pandey, the Honorary Consul General of Rwanda to Nepal and organizer of the event, stated that he has been actively working to promote trade, sustainable peace, prosperity, and diplomatic relations between Nepal and Rwanda. He called for identifying sectors suitable for investment and establishing cooperation that would benefit the people of both nations.

The program also included discussions on Rwanda’s global contributions to coffee production and export, its exemplary efforts in reconciliation between warring factions, reconstruction, and peacebuilding.