Khaleej Times

UAE an inspiratio­n to many, says Rwandan President

- Dhanusha Gokulan dhanusha@khaleejtim­es.com

dubai — For Rwandan President Paul Kagame, the UAE is an inspiratio­n to many nations, including his own country. He said it was inspiring the way the UAE’s leadership places a high value on its people and the private sector. Kagame added: “You (leaders of the UAE) have shown the world how vision, leadership and the use of natural resources transform scarcity into prosperity.”

Rwanda was one of the three guest countries of the seventh edition of the World Government Summit and while addressing guests on the final day on Tuesday, Kagame sincerely thanked the leadership of the UAE for the honour.

Kagame is a former military leader and took over the office in 2000 when his predecesso­r Pasteur Bizimungu resigned. Kagame previously commanded the rebel force that ended the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

He said Rwanda has been working hard for the past 24 years to build values of unity and prosperity in the country. “As displayed during the earlier sessions during the summit, our best practices have made significan­t progress towards the developmen­t of Rwanda. However, there is much more to do. It is not possible without the right foundation.”

The Rwandan president listed three factors that led to the rebuilding of the country since the 1994 genocide. More than two decades on, Rwanda’s economy, left in tatters following the genocide, has come a long way. Rwandans are generally living healthier and wealthier lives.

Kagame explained: “Understand­ing that leaders and institutio­ns are in place to respond to the expectatio­n of citizens… With a focus on civic participat­ion, all Rwandans have contribute­d to the growth, particular­ly women.

 ??  ?? Paul kagame
Paul kagame

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