By Kelvin Jakachira
Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Rwanda, with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Amon Murwira describing Rwanda as a trusted friend and dependable partner.
Speaking during the Kwibohora32 (Liberation Day) celebrations held in Harare on Monday 6 July, Murwira said Rwanda and Zimbabwe support one another in advancing African priorities and strengthening multilateral cooperation.
He said the friendship between Zimbabwe and Rwanda is anchored on mutual respect, African solidarity and a shared commitment to advancing the continent’s development agenda.
“In Rwanda, Zimbabwe has found a trusted friend and a dependable partner with whom we share common values and aspirations for Africa’s development,” Murwira said.
He described the Liberation Day as a powerful symbol of visionary leadership, national unity and resilience, adding that the occasion commemorates the courage and determination of the Rwandan people, who transformed one of history’s darkest chapters into a story of reconciliation, unity and national renewal.
“Today is not merely a commemoration of a historic event. Liberation Day stands as a powerful testament to what visionary leadership, national unity and cohesion and collective purpose can achieve, can be achieved at that scale and can be copied at the world level,” he said.
“Zimbabwe joins Rwanda in celebrating the remarkable progress your country has made under the leadership of His Excellency President Paul Kagame. Through bold reforms, strategic planning and commitment to national development, Rwanda has emerged as one of Africa’s leading examples of transformation and technological innovation.”
The celebrations were attended by diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe, government officials, members of the business community, Friends of Rwanda and the Rwandan community in Harare.
Murwira said Rwanda’s achievements under Vision 2050 and its National Strategy for Transformation have positioned the country as a continental leader in innovation and sustainable development.
“The achievements realised under Vision 2050, the National Strategy for Transformation, and Rwanda’s advances in digital innovation continue to inspire the continent and the world at large,” he said.
“Rwanda’s experience reminds us that meaningful development flourishes where there is peace, stability and national cohesion. It demonstrates that when a nation is united behind a common vision and shared values, it can overcome adversity and build a prosperous future for its people.”
The minister said Zimbabwe and Rwanda continue to deepen their strategic partnership through the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC), with collaboration expanding across education, agriculture, healthcare, energy, trade and investment.
He also thanked Rwanda for supporting Zimbabwe’s successful election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term, pledging continued cooperation on peace, security and sustainable development.
He said the partnership extends beyond bilateral relations, with both countries working closely on regional and multilateral platforms to advance Africa’s collective interests.
Murwira expressed confidence that ties between Harare and Kigali would continue to grow, contributing to African integration, peace and shared prosperity.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, James Musoni, said relations between the two countries have evolved into a strategic and mutually beneficial partnership, driven by the strong relationship between their respective Heads of State.
“The Government of Rwanda and the Government of Zimbabwe share a steadfast commitment to deepening our bilateral ties. Anchored by the visionary leadership of our respective Heads of State, our partnership has evolved into a strategic and mutually beneficial alliance,” Musoni said.
He said cooperation under the JPCC has expanded significantly, covering education, healthcare, agriculture, energy, trade and investment.
According to the envoy, initiatives such as the reciprocal exchange of education professionals and the signing of strategic economic agreements demonstrate the potential of African-led partnerships.
Reflecting on Rwanda’s liberation journey, he said the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) launched the liberation struggle in 1990 after years of ethnic killings of the Tutsi, discrimination, exclusion and persecution under successive post-independence governments.
“The RPF-Inkotanyi was formed to end systemic discrimination and authoritarian rule and establish democratic and inclusive governance for all Rwandans. Its liberation struggle ultimately defeated the genocidal regime in 1994 and ended the Genocide against the Tutsi,” he said.
Musoni said Rwanda has undergone remarkable transformation over the past 32 years.
“Guided by strong leadership and the determination of its people, Rwanda has built a nation founded on unity, security and inclusive development,” he said.
“Rwanda has emerged as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies and a valued contributor to regional and global peace and security.”
He paid tribute to President Paul Kagame and the RPF-Inkotanyi for liberating Rwanda and laying the foundation for the country’s reconstruction, reconciliation and national development.
Kwibohora (Liberation Day) marks the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi following the RPF’s victory over the genocidal regime and the beginning of Rwanda’s reconstruction, reconciliation and development journey.
New Times
