N. Dendias for the Pontian Genocide: Recognize the black pages of states in the wider region

A day after the Pontian Genocide Remembrance Day, Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias expressed the hope that other countries in the wider region would follow the shining example of Rwanda and recognize the black pages, reconcile with the past, apologize to the families of the victims of the atrocities. “Your visit today takes place, just one day after the Day of Remembrance of the Pontian Genocide. On this day we honor the memory of the more than 350,000 Greeks of Pontus who were massacred or displaced by the Ottoman authorities 103 years ago. And we would like to “Other countries, in our wider region, to follow the shining example of Rwanda. To recognize the black pages, to reconcile with the past, to apologize to the families of the victims of the atrocities,” Nikos Dendias said in joint statements with the minister. Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta after their meeting at the Foreign Ministry.

Continuing in the same vein, the Foreign Minister pointed out that Rwanda has become a global model of national reconciliation and the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which he visited in November, is a world-class monument where thousands of victims of the Genocide are buried. at least 800,000 men, women and children. He noted that Rwanda has been able to set an example of genocide through the process of justice and reconciliation and, above all, the recognition of the atrocities committed. In the shortest possible time of a generation, President Kagamé has managed to unite the country after such a traumatic experience, while keeping the memory alive so that such atrocities will never be repeated in the future.

Rwandan Foreign Minister’s visit to Athens historic – Same commitment to principles of peaceful settlement of disputes under international law

Referring to the visit of the Rwandan Foreign Minister to Athens, Nikos Dendias described it as historic, as it is the first visit of the Rwandan Foreign Minister to Greece, and spoke of a practical proof of the intensification of EU-Greece contacts with Sub-Saharan Africa. Africa. The Foreign Minister also pointed out that Vincent Birouta’s visit to Athens follows his own visit to Kigali last November.

Nikos Dendias made a special reference to the fact that “the two countries share the same commitment to the principles of peaceful settlement of disputes under international law and reject the threat of use of force or the use of force and believe that the conditions must be met, that the revision can not have a place in the 21st century “.

He then underlined Greece’s interest in Africa, recalling that it has recently moved, after Rwanda, to six other African countries. In particular, he said that in “full of dynamism” Africa there are important economies, an extremely talented and young human resources, but also with many problems, with which Greece and the EU want to forge very strong ties.

At the same time, Nikos Dendias underlined the “great importance” that Greece attaches to Rwanda, noting that it was the first country he visited because it is a typical example of success. “You have become a pillar of stability and security in your wider region and you contribute to problem solving and regional economic integration. You also play an important role in international organizations,” Nikos Dendias told Vincent Birouta.

Focusing on bilateral relations, Mr. Dendias stressed that they are gaining new momentum with the signing of two memoranda of understanding in Kigali between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries, the first for Political Consultation and the second in the field of Diplomatic Education, as well as others. two today in Athens, for cultural and sports cooperation. The two memoranda on cultural and sports cooperation were signed by the Minister of Culture and Sports Lina Mendoni and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Rwanda, after the meeting of the Foreign Ministers. Referring to these two memoranda, the Foreign Minister thanked Ms. Mendoni and stressed that they are not cut off from the general promotion initiatives that Greece has undertaken within the UN, such as the promotion of human rights, sports and the Olympic Games. “It is something that the Ministry of Culture and Ms. Mendoni have set very high in their priorities,” he added.

He further added that they are working to sign additional agreements in other sectors, such as tourism. It is something that will be signed in the next meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda, said Nikos Dendias, as well as the memorandum of non-double taxation which is the necessary background for mutual investments.

Capturing the will of Greece, Nikos Dendias said that he looks forward to cooperating with his Rwandan counterpart, not only at the bilateral level, but also at the level of the EU Council of Ministers, where it would be particularly interesting to explain the security problems it faces. the wider region of Central and Sub-Saharan Africa, as he additionally pointed out.

In fact, on behalf of the President of the Hellenic Republic, he requested to send an invitation to the President of Rwanda Kagame to visit Greece.

In addition to bilateral relations, the talks of the two Foreign Ministers covered various international and regional issues, such as EU-Africa relations, the challenges to security and stability facing Sub-Saharan Africa and the Sahel, with Nikos Dendias expressing his appreciation. on Rwanda’s constructive role in efforts to consolidate peace and stability in sub-Saharan Africa. In fact, he noted that Rwanda is the 4th country in the world in the contribution of peacekeeping forces within the UN.

The joint statements were followed by a working lunch given by the Foreign Minister to his Rwandan counterpart, during which they discussed the prospects for the development of bilateral relations, as well as various international and regional issues.