allAfrica.com: Rwanda: Sweden is 'Strong And Excellent' Partner

In November 2006, Rwanda closed its long-standing Paris Embassy and immediately opened a new post in Sweden. Last year, Lawmaker Jacqueline Mukangira was handed the diplomatic credentials for the same office covering the Nordic region. She now tells RNA that just a few months into her job, Swedish multinational corporations companies are trekking to Rwanda for business, in addition to increased development support. Read interview:

RNA: What would you say are the most distinctive features of the relationship between Sweden and Rwanda?

Sweden's development cooperation with Rwanda started after the 1994 genocide, and at that time, the focus was on humanitarian assistance in a form of emergency relief. This partnership was principally through International Organisations. Gradually, that aid changed from being purely humanitarian intervention, but also to support Rwanda's own efforts to build a peaceful and stable nation. It was in 1996 that further formal bilateral development cooperation started.

Support from Sweden to Rwanda is given to most areas of priority, such include those designed to bring reconciliation, build up state Institutions, implementation of economic reforms and improving education. An agreement was signed in 2004 between Rwanda and Sweden, which stipulated that cooperation should be targeted at: Promoting the fight against poverty, sustainable economic and social development, Human Rights and equality between men and women; Helping to develop administration and institutions that contribute to democratic governance, peace, national unity and reconciliation as well as respecting human rights; Underpinning Rwandan society in various areas; Contributing to economic reforms and macroeconomic stability.

Other collaborative efforts between Sweden and Rwanda include, Country Strategy for Swedish development cooperation with Rwanda which was adopted in 2004, for the period 2004-2008. A new five year Country Strategy for the Swedish development cooperation is being prepared.

Today, Rwanda is among the twelve countries that receive long term development assistance from Sweden, out of thirty Countries with which Sweden has bi-lateral relations.

To strengthen cooperation in the Nordic Countries, Rwanda opened an Embassy in Sweden in July 2007 and it covers 4 Nordic Countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland). This is a strong example that explains how Rwanda enjoys strong and excellent relations with Sweden.

From the 6th to the 8th of March 2008, Mr. Anders NORDSTRÖM, Director General of the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) paid a working visit to Rwanda to hold discussions with various Rwandan authorities and take stock of the implementation of the programmes and projects funded by SIDA in Rwanda.

The Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation, Madam Gunilla CARLSSON visited Rwanda on 10th-11th January, 2008. This was a second Ministerial visit by a Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation in two years, this visit followed a previous visit by Madam Carin JAMTIN, who was then Minister for International Development Cooperation and who visited Rwanda in 2006. Similarly, both countries diplomatic esteem through visits clarify a lasting cooperation, the two visits by Swedish diplomats followed a visit by Hon. Charles MURIGANDE, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation who had paid an official visit to Sweden in November 2005.

H.E President Paul KAGAME had also visited Sweden in 2004 at the invitation of the then Swedish Prime Minister.

RNA: Apart from bilateral support that Sweden gives to Rwanda in form of budget support, is there any other engagements that Sweden has with Rwanda?

The Rwanda-Swedish partnership focuses on such areas as budget support, good governance, ICT and capacity building for the Rwanda National Police and the Office of the Auditor General. In fact, the current Memorandum of Understanding specifies four major areas of development cooperation between Sweden and Rwanda: Peace development and Democratic Governance; Democracy and Human Rights Peace and Reconciliation; Social Progress; Education; Economic Reforms; and Research collaboration

RNA: Are there any business ties between Swedish business and Rwanda?

Both the Swedish government and the Rwandan government have a big focus on trade and investment, as they see this as the key to sustainable development. A vigorous economy will not only improve people's lives but also help maintain peace and stability in our Country, as well as combat corruption. This is a top priority for the new Swedish Government together which is promoting human rights and issues such as gender equality.

Swedish companies are encouraged to invest in Rwanda. After the Embassy of Rwanda in Sweden was opened last year, a lot of contacts have been made with different companies for promoting Rwanda's trade, tourism and investment interests.

For instance, from 23rd to 25th October 2007, with the support of Swedish Embassy in Nairobi and the Swedish Trade Council, a trade delegation of 19 people visited Rwanda, including large Swedish companies as ABB, SCANIA, SWEDFUND, AREVA T&D etc..

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