Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
On Tuesday February 18, 2025, the first meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee of the Belgian-Burundian Cooperation Program for the period 2024-2028 was held in Bujumbura. The mandate of this committee is to monitor the objectives defined in the specific agreement signed between the two countries on December 20, 2023.
In his opening speech, Mr Syldie Manirerekana, Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, highlighted the historic importance of relations between Burundi and Belgium. He recalled that, despite ups and downs, these relations remain characterized by lasting friendship and fruitful cooperation. He expressed his wish to see Belgium resume its role as Burundi’s leading bilateral partner, a goal towards which both nations are actively progressing.
Mr. Manirerekana also recalled the main objectives of the program, namely to promote sustainable agri-food systems; improve access to quality social services, notably in the health and education sectors; develop professional skills; and strengthen governance.
He encouraged participants to examine the progress of this program with rigor and openness, while taking into account local challenges and national priorities.
For his part, Mr Bart Pennewaert, Belgium’s Deputy Director General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, praised the friendly relations between the two countries and reaffirmed Belgium’s commitment to supporting Burundi in its long-term development vision. This vision aims to make Burundi an emerging nation by 2040 and a developed one by 2060.
Mr. Pennewaert emphasized that this program, which has a budget of 75 million euros over five years, is also aligned with Burundi’s National Development Plan (NDP).
The meeting was marked by the official signing of the rules of procedure of the Joint Consultative Committee, to ensure the smooth implementation of the Ntusigare Inyuma program.
