2020 was loaded with its ups and downs. Covid-19 raged globally, shocking economies and individuals. Nonetheless, in conclusion the year left a lesson that “we are stronger when we pull together”

In his End and New Year Speech, H.E Emmanuel Hategeka the Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the UAE reflected on important points that included; the solidarity of Rwandans living in UAE during the pandemic, promotion of bilateral trade and strong diplomatic ties.

Wishing a happy and healthy new year 2021 to the Rwandan Community living in UAE, Ambassador Hategeka observed that discipline and solidarity of the Diaspora has allowed to minimize the effects of the pandemic by supporting compatriots who were hit hardest. “Some of us tested positive for Covid-19 and others lost jobs when the pandemic started. The Embassy, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and your support, we were able to assist those who needed treatment and others were assisted to fly back home,” Ambassador Hategeka said.

Ambassador Hategeka commended the committee of Rwandan Diaspora in UAE for exemplary leadership and coordination. He urged the community to uphold those values and also continue to abide by measures in place to contain the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.

Strong diplomatic ties and business deals despite the pandemic

In the same address to the Rwandan Community in UAE, Ambassador Emmanuel Hategeka hailed strong bilateral relations between Rwanda and the United Arab Emirates. “We were blessed with visits of high level leaders in 2020; H.E President Paul Kagame attended Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week on the invitation of UAE leaders in January 2020.  On other occasions, different Ministers came for different duties; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Dr. Biruta Vincent met some of you when he was in transit in Dubai and appreciated your behaviors during this pandemic,” Ambassador Hategeka said.

Business deals were also secured in 2020 despite the Covid-19 pandemic. DP World signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Rwanda Development Board to accelerate trade through new e-commerce platforms; the MOU will facilitate imports and exports as well as, MAF Carrefour and Rwanda’s National Agricultural Export Board also signed a general agreement, allowing availability of Rwandan fresh products through Carrefour outlets to the UAE consumers.

Ambassador Hategeka also noted that tourists going to Rwanda were rising thanks to a webinar that was organised together with RDB in August 2020. He also reiterated the continued facilitation provided to those venturing in business.

Ambassador Hategeka promised that the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and General Consulate in Dubai will keep promoting economic development especially as Dubai Expo2020 is close in March.

“We will continue to offer good services at the Embassy and General Consulate. I urge you to respect Covid-19 related measures and uphold values of love and solidarity,” Ambassador Hategeka concluded.