RWANDA TO BORROW TOURISM LEAF FROM ZANZIBAR-ENVOY

Rwandese Ambassador to Tanzania, Dr Ben Rugangazi made a courtesy call to President Ali Mohamed Shein at State House in Zanzibar. Rwa... thumbnail 1 summary

Rwandese Ambassador to Tanzania, Dr Ben Rugangazi made a courtesy call to President Ali Mohamed Shein at State House in Zanzibar.


Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania Ben Rugangazi
Rwanda admires Zanzibar’s growing tourism industry. Since we are struggling to improve our tourism industry, we have a lot to learn from Zanzibar,” Rugangazi was quoted as telling his host (Shein).According to the Zanzibar State House Press Secretary, Mr Rajab Mkasaba, the discussion between Shein and the envoy saw the two expressing satisfaction over the current bilateral relations.
He said that the two leaders committed to ensuring that the current relationship between Tanzania- Zanzibar and Rwanda remains one that is mutually beneficial for the people of the East African states. The ambassador said that Zanzibar was benefiting economically and that his country will learn from the islands how to develop the tourism sector.
He said that in addition to developing tourism, Rwanda was committed to developing air transport and communication.
“We are also serious in improving education including Information Technology (IT). But we commend Zanzibar for efforts to preserve its culture, because culture remains important for the nation,” said Rugangazi.
The ambassador also praised President Jakaya Kikwete for his efforts in strengthening relationship between Rwanda and Tanzania, which include increased movement of people. He said Rwanda was now peaceful and that ethnic clashes and violence will remain history.
“We have been benefiting from Tanzania in terms of trade, importation of goods through Dar es Salaam Port, recent plans to build railway line to connect east African states will be of great boost,” the ambassador said. Shein also thanked Rwanda under President Paul Kagame for the admirable achievement in developing the country, including environment protection and keeping Kigali, the capital city clean.
“With improvement of communication and infrastructure, we are heading to ease communication in the region,” Shein said adding that his Government of National Unity (GNU) was committed to maintain peace and stability.
By Issa Yussuf, Tanzania Daily News