Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
On Wednesday August 1, 2024, the Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, Mr Syldie Manirerekana, joined the authorities of Swiss Cooperation in Burundi and the Swiss people residing in Burundi in the ceremonies of celebrating the Swiss national day.
The Director of Swiss Cooperation in Burundi, Mr Boris Maver, in his opening speech, spoke of the richness of the relationship between Burundi and Switzerland, describing these two countries as “landlocked mountain jewels” sharing similar aspirations. He stressed that Switzerland, known for its neutrality, is determined to defend the human rights, while Burundi, a land of resilience, finds in Switzerland a frank and loyal partner.
The joint efforts for equitable land management, symbolized by the bashingantahe, the wise men of the Burundian residents, testify to the depth of this cooperation Mr Boris Maver also highlighted initiatives in vocational training, health and nutrition, stressing that these projects are essential for the economic and social development of both nations.
Two key events in the first half of 2024 illustrated Switzerland’s commitment to Burundi: the launch of the gender profile and the multi-partner program for human rights. These projects, the result of close collaboration with the Burundian authorities and international partners, demonstrate the shared desire to address gender and human rights issues with seriousness and perseverance.
Mr Boris Maver stressed the need of continuing promoting gender equality and strengthening freedom of the press, calling it a pillar of any democracy. He urged both the nations to redouble their efforts to ensure that every financial decision takes into account the specific needs of each citizen.
The Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, Mr Syldie Manirerekana, took the floor to express his gratitude and that of the Burundian Government. He congratulated the Swiss people for their achievements and their commitment to the values of freedom, independence and sovereignty. He also highlighted the fruitful cooperation between the two countries in various fields such as education, research, health and land management.
The Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation Mr Syldie Manirerekana reminded that the axes of that cooperation fit perfectly into the national priorities of Burundi, formulated in the National Development Plan of Burundi 2023-2027 and the vision Burundi emerging country in 2040 and developed country in 2060. He expressed his conviction that the strengthening of bilateral and multilateral cooperation will allow Burundi to achieve its development ambitions.
The announcement of the imminent departure of Mr Boris Maver has aroused emotions. The Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, Mr Syldie Manirerekana, paid tribute to Mr Boris Maver for the excellent relations of friendship and cooperation that he cultivated during his term of office. He expressed the pleasure of working with him in defending a common cause: the fight for a better world. The ceremony concluded with wishes of success and happiness for Mr Boris Maver in his future functions, and a toast to the lasting friendship between Switzerland and Burundi. That celebration not only marked the Swiss national holiday, but also reaffirmed the mutual commitment of these two nations to work for a future of peace, justice and solidarity.