The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Rwanda, Louise Mushikiwabo, received H.E Didier Reynders, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and European Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium.
According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Discussions between the two Ministers focused on the crisis in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and Belgium, where they agreed to enhance cooperation vis-à-vis investment sector and other various sectors in order to enhance development and keep close the already existing relationship.
“Rwanda is a very important partner in development” said Reynders.
After discussions, Minister Louise Mushikiwabo and Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs Reynders hosted a joint press conference with local and international media.
Reynders told press that the important part of his visit, and the discussions along, was dedicated to the situation in the Region, especially in the eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo.
Crisis in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Aid suspension to Rwanda and violence acts against Rwandans by some Congolese people in Belgium are the most subjects which dominated the press conference.
Belgian Foreign Minister Reynders said that blaming Rwanda for supporting DRC is not the best solution.
“It is not the best way to blame one country. But we have to put pressure on all the partners – the Congo, the neighbouring countries, the international community – and now it is urgent to take to the floor [at the UN] for a solution”.
He said that the task to guarantee a real integrity of DRC is not only from Congo but also from all partners. “We urge all the partners to take any necessary measures to stop the violence” said Reynders.
He further said he was praised to listen from President Paul Kagame and Minister Mushikiwabo on Rwanda’s commitment and will to participate in stability and peace process in the region.
Mushikiwabo explained that what happens to M23, or any other rebels in Democratic Republic of Congo, is much more a decision of DRC and the region not a decision of Rwanda.
“If DRC decides to go a certain way and the region thinks it is the appropriate way of course Rwanda will support it. But Rwanda has no decision to make on behalf of DRC.” Said Minister MUSHIKIWABO.
The visiting Belgian minister also spoke about recent incidents involving Rwandans in Belgium who have repeatedly been attacked by Congolese nationals, and have faulted Brussels for not doing enough to stop the violence.
The latest such incident took place on Saturday, with reports indicating that another Rwandan was attacked and reportedly stabbed in the abdomen.
“We have organised all possible activities for proper prosecution. It is unacceptable – we have the police, the logistics and we will do what it takes,” Reynders noted.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and European affairs H.E Didier Reynders, and his delegation visited the Democratic Republic of Congo before coming to Rwanda via Rubavu border town which Rwanda shares with DRC.
He also visited displaced Congolese Refugees in Nkamira transit Centre in Rubavu district.
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