Challenges faced by the Ministry (MFADC) in the 2021-2022 year and the outlook for the future

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, His Excellency Albert SHINGIRO indicates that, despite the good performance of the Ministry during the 2021-2022 financial year under review marked by the undisputed return of Burundi on the regional and international scene, challenges abounded. Among the main challenges, he cited the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Burundi’s diplomatic action, to which is now added the situation in Ukraine which has disrupted fuel and other supply chains. basic necessities, the lack of sufficient and predictable means to carry out our foreign policy in good conditions as well as the strengthening of the capacities of certain Ministry officials in the various fields, the availability of buildings that can house all the Ministry’s services in one same place. His Excellency Albert SHINGIRO gave hope that the last challenge is being resolved because a construction project for the building capable of containing all the services of the Ministry has been approved by the Chinese partner in the form of a donation.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, His Excellency Albert SHINGIRO pointed out that Burundi is firmly embarked on the orbit of its economic and social development. He said that the Ministry will work hard with zeal and dedication to build on the achievements already recorded in the defense of the interests and brand image of Burundi in the concert of Nations.

Regarding future prospects, His Excellency Albert SHINGIRO informed that Burundi will spare no effort to strengthen, reinforce, tone and further diversify its relations of friendship, brotherhood and cooperation with traditional partners and will lead at the same time a diplomatic offensive to seek new partners to support the Government of Burundi in building Burundi.

The Ministry will continue to lead the implementation of economic diplomacy with five (5) ramifications, namely: the promotion of foreign investment and strengthening of the private sector, trade, technology transfer, promotion of tourism in a country practically virgin in this field, the promotion of development infrastructures at national and regional level through regional, integrating projects, such as, for example, the tripartite project (Burundi, Tanzania and DRC) for the railway linking the three countries and the two Atlantic and Indian oceans.