Seychelles and Rwanda to develop new areas of cooperation in tourism

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.