SEOUL, KOREA: MANY AMBASSADORS ATTENDED THE 30TH COMMEMORATION OF THE GENOCIDE AGAINST .

Fifty-five members of diplomatic corps, in Seoul, South Korea, participated in the 30^th anniversary commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsis. Additionally, attendees included representatives from the private sector, civil society, and media. The Rwandan diaspora was predominantly represented by students and workers from various sectors in Korea. However, due to it being a working day in Rwanda, many Rwandans were unable to attend. The Vice-minister of Foreign Affairs represented the Korean government. Below is the speech delivered by Bakuramutsa M. Nkubito, the Rwandan ambassador to Korea, addressing the participants of the 30^th commemoration.

Ambassador of Rwanda to Korea Bakuramutsa Nkubito Manzi, front row 14^th from right on the stage, poses with diplomats, ambassadors and attendees of Kwibuka 30 in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Embassy of Rwanda in Korea

All protocol observed, please allow me to start by thanking Dr Billy Kim for blessing our gathering and co-hosting the 30^th commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsis. Dr Kim, we highly value your friendship.

Your Excellency CHUNG Byung-won, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea;

Your Excellency Ambassador Carlos BOUNGOU, Dean of the Diplomatic Corp

• Excellencies Ambassadors,
• Members of the diplomatic corps here present
• Chairman of the Korea Finance for Construction
• Chairman of the Rwanda Community,
• Ladies and Gentlemen,

With deep emotion, I extend immense gratitude to all of you for joining us in 30^th commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsis.

At this moment, our hearts are filled with both sorrow and appreciation. We pay tribute to the memory of those we have lost, while also expressing gratitude for the remarkable transformation Rwanda has experienced.

We are also thankful for the sacrifices made by Genocide survivors, which have facilitated the reconciliation and unity of Rwanda.

We recognize the bravery of numerous Rwandans, who courageously resisted the call to genocide, with some making the ultimate sacrifice. We solemnly honor their memory.

Rwanda has emerged from devastation, and its evident progress is a testament to the difficult decisions it has made. We opted for unity and accountability, and these choices have been pivotal in our journey.

The tragedy experienced by Rwanda serves as a cautionary tale. The process of division and extremism that paves the way for genocide can occur in any place if allowed to persist without intervention.

I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to each of you for your friendship, partnership, and continuous efforts in propelling Rwanda’s rapid advancement towards achieving the status of a high-middle-income country by 2050.

I can not end without thanking my dear friend Mr. Chung Soo Kim, our MC, who led the FEBC team, that has helped us organize the commemoration.

Thank you for your kind attention.