Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias’ statement following his meeting with the Minister of Foreing Affairs and International Cooperation of Rwanda, Vincent Biruta (Rwanda, 05.11.2021)

Cher ami et cher collègue,

Dear friend,

It is just two months after our first meeting in New York, and I have to say it is a great pleasure to be in Kigali here today.

This is my first visit to sub-Saharan Africa, since I assumed my current functions and I have to say it was a visit long overdue.

The latest bilateral Agreement between our two countries was signed 35 years ago.

And between us, let us be open, we did not implement it. And this is totally unacceptable.

We have decided that we want to enhance our relations with African countries, because, among others, Africa will be the economic powerhouse of the world.

Some of the fastest growing economies are located in this beautiful continent.

And we, Greece, have no colonial past and by extension we do not carry any historic baggage.

Also, thousands of my compatriots Greeks have emigrated to Africa and they have created thriving Greek Communities around the continent.

And I have to say, for us the gate to Africa should be Rwanda.

Because you have set, dear Minister, an example in many respects.

Rwanda has recovered from one of the worst genocides in human history; a genocide that is within living memory of many of us.

Rwanda has set an international standard for reconciliation, reconstruction and national unity.

You have clearly set a benchmark.

I visited, before coming to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,  the Genocide Memorial and, I have to say, I was deeply moved from what I saw.

I wish other countries around the world, that deny even the use of the word “genocide”, even less accept what has happened in the past, on their own land, would follow your proud example.

Rwanda is also one of the best African destinations for doing business and a fast-growing economy.

Our economic ties, between Greece and Rwanda, today are almost non-existent.

And this situation needs, should and will be remedied.

Today’s meeting was an opportunity to discuss economic and investment opportunities.

And also to discuss how a quick follow-up will take place.

In this regard, I was particularly happy to sign with you today a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations and a Memorandum on Diplomatic Training.

And more Agreements between our two countries are in the pipeline.

I also want to emphasize that the world has become so small that no individual country can address challenges on its own.

We need to enhance cooperation with countries that share the same principles and the same values. Especially the belief that International Law should be the norm in relations between countries.

I have to say that we, Greece, believe that the respect for the commitments of the UN Charter are the ones that promote the peaceful resolution of differences on the basis of International Law.

And also, that the use of violence and even the threat of the use of violence do not belong to the 21st century, do not belong to our era. And I have to say it is important to say this here from Kigali.

Rwanda, being the 4th largest contributor to UN Peacekeeping Missions, is setting a very very proud example.

Moreover, Rwanda plays an important role in International Organisations, such as the African Union and the Francophonie, of which Greece is a member.

Today, the government of Prime Minister Mitsotakis wants to present tangible proof of its willingness to support the people and the society of Rwanda.

In a short while, I will visit the Rwanda Governance Board and will make a donation, on behalf of my government, for the financing of projects aiming at protecting journalists and the freedom of the press.

This is in line with our International Commitments.

As you may be aware, we have tabled in 2014 a Resolution at the UN General Assembly, on establishing the Commemoration of the International Day to end impunity for crimes against journalists.

We believe that international solidarity should be the norm also on another front, when we are fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thank you for appreciating Greece’s donation to Rwanda: 200,000 vaccines last September and also 330,000 today. They are arriving  from Athens to Kigali as we speak.

This highlights our genuine common commitment.

Dear Sir, dear friend, dear Minister, Your Excellency,

May I say that I am looking forward to building this relationship with Rwanda.

Thank you so much for your hospitality.