Visit of Mr. Mihara and Dr. Yamagiwa, Members of the House of Representatives (20th to 23rd August, 2014)

　From 20th to 23rd of August, Mr. Asahiko Mihara, Member of the House of Representative (secretary-general of the Japan-AU Parliamentary Friendship League), and Dr. Daishiro Yamagiwa (member of the Japan-AU Parliamentary Friendship League) visited Rwanda. During their stay, they met Rwandan high leaderships, and visited several Japanese ODA project sites as well as the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center.

　On 20th, the MPs paid a courtesy call on Hon. Mushikiwabo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and exchanged views on the relationship between Japan and Rwanda. They also visited “KLab”, which is an open space for supporting service and product development using ICT, and had a meeting with ABE Initiative (African Business Education Initiative for the Youth) Scholars who were going to study in Japan. In the evening, they attended a dinner hosted by Ambassador Ogawa with Japanese residents in Rwanda to exchange views.

 

(Left: MPs with Hon. Mushikiwabo, Right: MPs discussing with ABE Initiative scholars）

　On 21st, the MPs visited Umuco Mwiza school supported by Japanese NPO “Think About Education in RWANDA”, and the project called “Life Empowerment Project through Acquiring High Level Cloth Fabrication Skills” (Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Project by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan). After visiting the projects, they paid a courtesy call on Hon. Gatare, CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and exchanged views on investment, tourism, etc. In the Afternoon, they visited Tumba Technical College (TCT).

(Left：Mr. Mihara being briefed by Ms. Kanbenga, President of the NPO,Right：Dr. Yamagiwa with students in the school)

(Left：The MPs being briefed by Ms. Yamahira, the project director of Reborn Kyoto,Right：The MPs with students in the training center)

(Left：The MPs visiting TCT, Right：The MPs with staff member at the front of TCT)

　On 22nd, after paying a courtesy call on Hon. Mukablisa, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, and discussing about social issues in both countries, the MPs visited the site of “the Project for Construction of Rusumo International Bridge and One Stop Border Post (OSBP) Facilities” and “the Project for Rural Water Supply”, as well as activities of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV).

(Left: Mr. Mihara talking with Hon. Mukabalisa, Right: Mr. Mihara being explained about a progress of construction)

(Left: The MPs being briefed by JOCV, Right: The MPs visiting a public water facility provided by “the Project for Rural Water Supply”)

 On 23rd, the MPs visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center and laid a wreath for remembrance of the victims before heading to the border with Uganda.

(Left: The MPs laid a wreath at the Genocide Memorial Center, Right: The MPs visiting inside of the Center with Ambassador Ogawa)