APA – Kigali (Rwanda)
Rwanda and Belgium on Tuesday signed a new bilateral cooperation agreement 2024-2029, focusing on three strategic sectors of Health, Urbanization and Agriculture.
The new cooperation programme valued at 95 million Euros (about $102,9 million) will enable the Government of Rwanda to allocate resources across key sectors, including agriculture, urbanisation and health, as well as in public finance management.
Rwanda was represented at the occasion by Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, while the Kingdom of Belgium, was represented by Heidy Rombouts, Director General of Development Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation.
Building on the results of the ongoing cooperation programme 2019-2024, the new programme is aimed at continuity and impact, while the two countries are to reinforce their joint commitment to sustainable growth and pressing global challenges.
According to a statement made available to APA in Kigali, the new programme has been developed in close collaboration over the course of 2023.
It added that the implementation will be ensured by lead ministries and agencies and Enabel, the Belgian development agency to complement another ongoing bilateral cooperation programme on decent work and social protection (EUR 17 million, 2022-2027).
Speaking at the occasion, Rwandan Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Uzziel Ndagijimana said: “The latest programme represents a crucial stride forward, reaffirming our dedication to vital sectors, a cornerstone for Rwanda’s socio-economic advancement.
“This agreement underscores the sustained collaboration between our two nations, a partnership that has consistently delivered tangible progress across diverse sectors of our engagement,” he said.
The Director General of Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid said: “With this new programme, Belgium and Rwanda have renewed their longstanding joint commitment to sustainable development. I am proud to stand here as a partner to Rwanda’s ambitious agenda on the access to healthcare, the transformation towards sustainable food systems and the development of climate-smart inclusive cities.”
CU/GIK/APA