Marie Claire Mukasine, recently appointed as Rwanda’s Ambassador to Japan, has pledged to uphold the longstanding relations between the two countries, spanning nearly six decades.
During the handover of official documents to Japan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Okano Masataka, Mukasine underscored her commitment to fostering enduring ties between Rwanda and Japan.
The ceremony, which prepared for the presentation of these documents to Japan’s King Naruhito, took place against the backdrop of Mukasine’s appointment in October 2023, succeeding Ernest Rwamucyo, who assumed duties as Rwanda’s representative to the UN.
Ambassador Mukasine emphasized Japan’s pivotal role in Rwanda’s development trajectory, highlighting the diverse projects facilitated through the Japan Fund for International Cooperation (JICA). These projects encompass a spectrum of sectors, including clean water provision, agricultural productivity enhancement, transportation infrastructure improvement, renewable energy access, and malnutrition mitigation, among others.
Notable recent endeavors include a significant loan agreement between the two nations, where Japan extended over 14 billion Yen (approximately 118 billion Frw) to Rwanda to bolster the education sector. This marked the first instance of Japan providing such a loan to Rwanda, reflecting its commitment to enhancing educational quality.
Furthermore, Japan has contributed substantially to Rwanda’s water infrastructure by funding the construction of a comprehensive pipeline from the Nzove plant to the Ntora reservoir in Gisozi. Valued at 20 million dollars (over 25 billion Frw), this initiative represents Japan’s largest assistance in Rwanda’s clean water provision efforts.
Ambassador Mukasine affirmed her dedication to building upon these achievements to further advance bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and Japan. She also outlined plans for commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsis, involving Rwandans residing in Japan and friends of Rwanda, alongside notable dignitaries like Minister Masataka and Fukazawa Yoichi, responsible for Foreign Affairs in Japan’s Parliament.
Moreover, Japan’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Isao Fukushima, is slated to represent Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Kigali at the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, underscoring the enduring solidarity between the two nations
