By Our Correspondent

ISLAMABAD: The Rwanda High Commission in Pakistan celebrated the 32nd Liberation Day of the Republic of Rwanda (Kwibohora 32) with a grand reception  on Saturday, bringing together senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, academics, media representatives, members of the Rwandan community, and Friends of Rwanda.

The event commemorated Rwanda’s liberation on July 4, 1994, and highlighted the country’s remarkable transformation over the past three decades, underscoring its progress in national unity, reconciliation, economic development, and innovation.

Addressing the gathering, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, H.E. Harerimana Fatou, described Kwibohora as a defining chapter in Rwanda’s history. She paid tribute to the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) and the men and women who sacrificed their lives to stop the Genocide against the Tutsi and liberate the country.

The High Commissioner said Rwanda’s progress had been driven by the determination of its people and the leadership of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) under President Paul Kagame. She noted that Rwanda has emerged as a gateway to Africa, known for its resilience, innovation, and sustainable development.

Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik, the chief guest, reaffirmed the growing partnership between Pakistan and Rwanda. He said bilateral cooperation was expanding across key sectors, including defence, trade, health, education, agriculture, tourism, and parliamentary diplomacy.

He also highlighted the two countries’ close coordination at the United Nations and other international forums on issues such as peacekeeping, climate action, and sustainable development.

Reflecting on the significance of Kwibohora, the minister said the occasion marked the beginning of Rwanda’s journey towards unity, reconciliation, and socio-economic transformation. He praised Rwanda’s achievements over the past 32 years and expressed confidence that Pakistan-Rwanda relations would continue to strengthen for the mutual benefit of both nations.

A ceremonial cake-cutting marked the celebration of Rwanda’s 32nd Liberation Day, symbolising the country’s continued progress and the growing friendship between Islamabad and Kigali.

Guests were also introduced to Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage through traditional music and enjoyed the country’s internationally renowned specialty coffee, which was showcased at a dedicated exhibition stall.

The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment from both sides to further deepen cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people contacts.