Address by Ambassador Michael Ryan on the occasion of Europe Day 9 May 2017

Transcription

1 10/05/ :30 REMARKS Address by Ambassador Michael Ryan on the occasion of Europe Day 9 May 2017 Europe Day Reception, Kigali Honourable Minister Louise Mushikiwabo, representing the Government of the Republic of Rwanda Honourable Ministers Members of Parliament Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Heads of Diplomatic Missions Senior officials Representatives of civil society and business Distinguished guests, friends, colleagues brothers and sisters A very warm welcome to all of you here this evening. Bashyitsi bahire, mwiriwe. Ikaze muri ibi birori byo kwizihiza umunsi mukuru w'uburayi twizihiza buri mwaka. Nyakubahwa Ministri Louise Mushikiwabo, ndishimye cyane kuba muri kumwe natwe uyu munsi. Today we commemorate the founding inspiration for the European Union French foreign minister Robert Schuman's declaration 67 years ago to create a different sort of Europe, replacing war with regional co-operation, building peace and stability on our

2 continent. I welcome you on behalf of the six heads of mission of the Embassies and High Commission of the Member States of the European Union in Rwanda and those that are non-resident. Today we celebrate 60 years of the European Union, and its long partnership with Rwanda, which has its beginnings in the early 1980s, with diplomatic relations formalised in the Accord de Siege of I am very grateful to you Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo for honouring this occasion with your presence, as you did last year. We ambassadors have great respect for your tireless work in constructively bringing Rwandan policy interests to the fore in Africa, in Europe, in the G20's Compact Africa, and globally marks the European Union's Diamond Jubilee. Diamond, from the Greek word adamas, means enduring. And our remarkable Union's durability is being tested as never before, and is found good. This Union of 28 Member States is a unique achievement, one of unity, even as its citizens question some of its fundamentals. The resounding election victory in France of president-designate Emmanuel Macron and in the Netherlands two months ago of Prime Minister Mark Rutte against far-right challenges promoting narrow nationalist causes signal popular confidence in European unity. Europe, as Federica Mogherini the EU's High Representative on foreign policy reminded in her message today, is not about the future of its institutions, but about the future of every single European citizen. Sixty years have brought peace, protection of workers, commercial growth, and the guarantee of liberties and rights. Citizens will continue to voice their concerns, it is their democratic right, it is healthy. We await the outcome of the German elections in September, and will work through the painful exercise of seeing the United Kingdom depart from the European Union on terms yet to be agreed. The Union is enduring, and its unity is important for Europe, and for the world. On the subject of elections, it has not escaped attention that polls in Rwanda take place for president in August this year and for parliament next year. The European Union ambassadors have met the National Electoral Commission and had a wide-ranging exchange on how candidates will be able to raise funds, campaign, hold public meetings and have equal access to media, and how voters will be informed. While press comment about the absence of EU observers has created mild surprise, I can assure you, Madame Minister, and guests here this evening that diplomats from EU embassies and the EU Delegation will accept the invitation of the National Electoral Commission, as we did in 2010 and 2013, to visit polling and vote counting centres across the country on 4 August. Ladies and gentlemen Rwanda European Union bilateral relations are fertile, fruitful and multi-faceted. Our

3 joint trade volume was worth 468 million in We are your largest trade partner, accounting for 26% of total Rwanda trade. The trade imbalance is partly offset by revenue from tourists around 61,000 from EU visit Rwanda annually, the second biggest group after African visitors; and by investments from EU member states, which in 2015 were valued at 363 million. The great work done in building tourism, conferencing and investment infrastructure paves the way for continued expansion of investment from and trade with the European Union. Poverty reduction and job creation are priorities for the government, and the European Union plays its part through its substantial aid investments in energy, agriculture and governance. Our policy dialogues with government, the private sector and civil society in these areas are evolving positively. The European Investment Bank provides loan funds inter alia for small businesses, for waste management in Kigali, and it is a lead agency for the Ruzizi 3 hydro-electric scheme bordering Rwanda, DRC and Burundi. Regional co-operation underpins regional peace and stability. The European Union will soon announce funding for the Ruzizi-Bukavu one-stop border crossing between Rwanda and DRC. Rwanda like Kenya has been a strong advocate for the East African European Union Economic Partnership Agreement. The signing of the EPA as we call it by the Rwandan and Kenya trade ministers in Brussels last year was deeply appreciated for its clear demonstration of commitment to the principles of liberal trade. The EPA has yet to be signed by other EAC member states, and is challenged on questionable grounds by its critics, including from within the UN system. Thank you, Honourable Minister, for keeping the faith. Honourable Minister Rwanda recently presented its African Union reform proposals at a meeting of African Union Commissioners and officials in Kigali, assisted by the Pan-African Advisory Team. Rwanda's lead on the reform drive is widely appreciated. The Africa-EU Summit takes place in Abidjan in November against a backdrop of the wish of the European Union to strengthen its partnership with Africa on peace, security and job creation for youth. "Africa's hope is our hope. A strong Africa matters to Europe; our friendship matters to our people", said High Representative Federica Mogherini a few days ago. Dear Minister, I know that you seek a sincere, balanced, meaningful relationship between Africa and Europe. We share that sentiment. Let us put it into practice at the Abidjan Summit. We have been informed today that His Excellency President Kagame has accepted the invitation from EU President Juncker to participate in the 2017 European Development Days held in Brussels in June. This will be a unique opportunity for President Kagame to inter alia share his thoughts on Africa-EU relations and on the African Union reform process with world and EU leaders.

4 Ladies and gentlemen You will have noticed over the last year or so the increased engagement of the Delegation and EU Member States embassies in public diplomacy. This is a vital part of our role as diplomats, to reach out to Rwanda's citizens through debate, culture, sharing. A few days ago the European Street Fair in Kigali attracted thousands, drawn by the best of Rwanda's popular singers and bands, and by interest in what EU embassies do in this country. We have been asked by many to make this Street Fair and concert an annual event. We will certainly try to do so. In two days' time, in collaboration with the French embassy, there will be a concert of jazz piano and perfume at the RRA auditorium. You are all welcome. And on Saturday, please do come along to the AIC and EU international food fair, right here in this residence, the proceeds will go to projects funded by AIC. Throughout the year we have organised public debates at Impact Hub, and EU ambassadors will continue to do what they love most, speaking and listening to students in various university campuses. Honourable Minister, dear guests It has been a privilege to live and work in this beautiful country, to surrender at times to the fascination of its charms, to accompany in modest ways the journey on which this nation is embarked. It has been a privilege to speak to so many citizens, in villages and towns, on farms and in businesses, to hear what they have to say, to come away with a strong sense of optimism, for the challenges that lie ahead. As I said in your presence last year, Honourable Minister, and will say again now, the EU's commitment to Rwanda's long term prosperity and stability is unshakeable. Like the diamond of the EU Jubilee, our partnership is enduring. My assignment as ambassador comes to an end in August (still enough time for a statement or two after the elections!), and Maureen and I, and my daughter Josie, will return to Brussels with a heavy heart and superb memories. I want to thank my colleague EU ambassadors for their strong support in carrying through the 'EU project' in Rwanda. Thank you all. Most of all, thank you to all the staff at the EU Delegation, you make possible what we do in Rwanda, it has been quite a journey, and I am deeply indebted to each of you for your advice, for your work, and for your friendship. Thank you and your families for making this evening possible. Ladies and gentlemen

5 Thank you all for being with us this evening to celebrate Europe Day. It now gives me great pleasure to invite our Guest of Honour Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs Louise Mushikiwabo to address us. Source URL: ccasion-europe-day-9-may-2017_en