Message from Ambassador

 


Welcome to the website of the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Rwanda.

I arrived here on August 21st and was very much pleased to find such a beautiful country!
The lush green hills stretch on one after the other for miles like waves on the ocean shining in the sun. It is very nice and warm, clean and comfortable here in Kigali.

As you might know, Japan established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Rwanda immediately after independence in 1962. We have had a long and good cordial relationship ever since.
Two eminent personalities played big roles during that period. Mr. Masaya HATTORI served as the second Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda in the 1960’s. He contributed to the establishment and development of the Rwandan financial system. The other person worth mentioning is Dr. Sadako OGATA who devoted herself to the Rwandan refugees and displaced persons while she was the UN High Commissioner for Refugees between 1991 and 2000.

I had heard and read about Rwanda’s progress but I have to say that it is good to see it with my own eyes. I would like to congratulate the people of Rwanda under the good leadership of President Paul Kagame for the hard work in developing their country. Rwanda indeed enjoys political stability and economic growth.

Japan has extended development assistance to Rwanda for many years from JOCV volunteers to experts and advisors, from irrigation to roads and schools construction. Dr. OGATA mentioned above assisted the country’s development in her capacity as President of Japan International Cooperation Agency.

I presented my credentials on 15th September 2015 as the third Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda. I will work towards further strengthening our good bilateral relations and do my utmost to increase Japan’s assistance in the areas already involved in.
I will also focus on the ICT sector in reinforcing the youth programs as well as promoting business links for the good of the future generation and the bond of our friendship.  

 

September 2015

 

Kiyokazu OTA
Ambassador of Japan