Rwanda, Czech Republic seek to strengthen cooperation in health

Kagame and Pavel spoke at a joint news conference after holding a bilateral meeting with their respective delegations, centered on next steps in furthering bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and Czech Republic, in areas of mutual interest.

“The president and I had a very productive discussion.  We value our close collaboration in defense and security and many other areas. Together we want to strengthen our cooperation in health. It complements Rwanda’s efforts to invest in health infrastructure and our medical workforce,” Kagame said.

He appealed to Czech entrepreneurs to invest in Rwanda, saying there is an enabling environment.

Pavel, who arrived in Rwanda on Friday for a three-day state visit, said the partnership with Rwanda has “sound foundation” in areas of security and defense, medical support and wildlife protection.

He said the two countries are ready to explore new areas of cooperation.

During the same press conference meanwhile, Kagame recalled that the Czech Republic played a prominent role in calling for action to stop the 1994 genocide against Tutsi.

In 1994, Ambassador Karel Kovanda of the Czech Republic is acknowledged for his stance in the Security Council, calling for official UN recognition that genocide against the Tutsi was underway, accusing the UK and U.S. of deliberately avoiding the issue of mass killing.

 “We will always be grateful to Aambassador Karel Kovanda and to the Czech Republic. This spirit of solidarity and of speaking up against injustice creates lasting bonds of friendship and respect,” said Kagame.

April 7 will mark the 30th commemoration of the genocide against Tutsi, which began on April7, 1994.

More than 1 million people, mostly of the Tutsi community and moderate Hutus were killed by Hutu extremists in a span of 100 days during the genocide against Tutsi in 1994.