Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
The 10th edition of Burundi Diplomatic Week officially came to a close this Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Bugarama, marking a high point of strategic dialogue between the Burundian government and its bilateral, multilateral, regional and international partners. Organized under the theme “Fruitful partnership for an emerging Burundi: economic diplomacy as the driving force behind sustainable and inclusive development”, the two-day event brought together stakeholders from all horizons.
In his closing speech, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, Mr. Ferdinand BASHIKAKO, underlined the importance of the exchanges held over the two days. He praised the partners’ constant commitment to implementing projects in line with the national vision ‘’Burundi, an emerging country by 2040 and developed by 2060’’. He pointed out that the success of this vision hinges on effective coordination of cooperation actions, made possible by the adoption in August 2023 of the National Strategy for Development Cooperation (SNCD). This strategy is now supported by Joint Concertation Comity (CCC), whose activities were officially launched in February 2025.
The guided visits organized as part of the week enabled participants to see the efforts already underway in several key sectors. At B.R.A Manufacturing SUR, a company specializing in the manufacture of plastic products (water tanks, chairs, watering cans, etc.), participants saw how local industry contributes to the daily lives of Burundians while generating sustainable employment. A visit to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) highlighted the agricultural research and innovation efforts carried out in collaboration with institutions such as the World Bank, ADB and JICA. The aim: to develop high-yielding rice varieties that are resistant to climate change. A vital project to boost food security and household incomes in Burundi. ‘’Every mouth will have food, and every pocket will have money’’, recalled the Permanent Secretary, referring to the concrete impact expected from such initiatives.
In addition to economic projects, Burundi also presented its natural and tourism assets as major levers for development. Lake Tanganyika, the lush green landscapes, the pure air of Bugarama hills: all these natural riches deserve to be promoted as part of an integrated approach to economic diplomacy. The Permanent Secretary encouraged the recently accredited diplomats to explore Burundi’s territory further, in order to better appreciate the country’s tourism and ecological potential.
In a spirit of gratitude, the representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation expressed his thanks to all participants, including Ambassadors, representatives of regional and international organizations, private sector players, journalists, security forces, and all those who had contributed to the success of this edition. Special tribute was paid to the B.R.A Manufacturing SUR and IRRI teams, and to the local authorities for their warm welcome and cooperation. In conclusion, participants were invited to take part in the festivities marking the 64ᵉ anniversary of Burundi’s independence, scheduled for July 01, 2025 at Intwari Stadium. ‘’With these words, I declare the proceedings of the Diplomatic Week, 2025 edition, closed. Thank you.’’
Diplomatic Week 2025 will therefore have been an essential strategic platform for redefining the outlines of more effective, equitable and forward-looking cooperation. More than ever, Burundi reaffirms its determination to move forward with its partners, in a spirit of trust, transparency and shared benefit.