Seychelles and Rwanda are set to open up new ground for
partnership in the tourism and culture arenas. Both countries agreed on the
drafting of a proposed Memorandum of Understanding for tourism and cultural
exchanges. The newly-designated Rwandan High Commissioner to Seychelles, Dr.
Ben Rugangazi, has expressed his willingness to work with the Seychelles
Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange, to develop new areas of
cooperation in tourism and culture between both countries.
Dr. Ben Rugangazi made this pledge during a courtesy call to
Minister St.Ange at his offices at the National Cultural Center in Victoria.
Dr. Ben Ruganzazi said that Rwanda has watched closely Seychelles’ heightened
progress in crystalizing its tourism industry as the pillar of the economy. He
said that to develop the country’s natural parks, hot springs, and unique
gorillas earmarked as tourism amenities, Rwanda would need to follow the
Seychelles expertise to showcase itself as a valuable tourism destination.
In the proposed drafting of the Memorandum of Understanding
Dr. Rugangazi said he would establish the broad line upon which Seychelles and
Rwanda could showcase their diversities. The Seychelles Minister for Tourismand Culture, Alain St.Ange, on his part said that Seychelles and Rwanda can
benefit strongly from each other, but needed to work together to make it
happen.
“I believe that as Africans we should rally together and
showcase to the world the diversity that exists in Africa. There’s a lot that
we can do together. How we can move forward is something that we alone can
decide, but this avenue of Africa–Africa cooperation remains the way forward,”
said Minister St.Ange.
Seychelles is set to celebrate the third edition of the
“Carnival International de Victoria” on February 8-10, 201,3 and the Seychelles
Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange, invited Rwanda to showcase its
culture and people at the Carnival.
