2023-07-28 08:06:25
President Ndayishimiye first let it be known that Burundi and Africa in general must abandon the posture of the “outstretched hand” and make their voice heard for partnerships based on mutual respect. This summit offers, according to the Burundian President, a good opportunity to bring together national and African experiences and think about a future of shared dignity and prosperity.
His Excellency Évariste Ndayishimiye praised the excellent bilateral, friendly and historical relations that exist between the peoples of Burundi and Russia, as well as the respective governments; based on shared values of sovereignty, mutual respect, solidarity and sincere friendship.
“Our diplomatic relations are in good shape, both bilaterally and in international bodies,” said the President.
“Relations were further strengthened by the recent visit to Bujumbura last May by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei LAVROV.” he added.
The Burundian Number One specified the main areas of cooperation that have seen great progress such as health, education, justice and defense and hopes that the energy field will experience a leap forward.
President Ndayishimiye reported
a large energy deficit on industrialization and mining but, according to him, Burundi is banking on nuclear energy to reverse this trend.
Burundi, long monopolized by its internal problems, is now an active member of global and regional associations, it is now honored in the concert of Nations, said His Excellency Ndayishimiye, recalling that Burundi takes an active part in the definition and the search for answers to regional and global challenges.
Responding to questions from the Editor-in-Chief Mr Mikhail Gusman, the President of the Republic said that Burundi has taken drastic measures to prevent and control the coronavirus pandemic.
“From the start of the epidemic, Burundi adopted a strategy to combat the spread of the virus which was based more on prevention,” he insisted.
Containment was only required in the event of direct contact or any exposure and there was the introduction of massive screening campaigns and then voluntary vaccines, added the President.
Three years already in power, President Ndayishimiye has drawn up his assessment and his major challenges for the future.
He is proud to have succeeded in uniting a large majority of Burundians around the same ideal.
“In three years, we have transformed as a people. We want the best for our country, regardless of our political, ethnic or regional origins”.
As for the challenges, the Burundian President indicates that they remain around a small group of individuals, fishermen in troubled waters who have, by their senseless acts, systematically torpedoed the efforts of socio-economic development but who, according to him, it is a question of time because the economy of Burundi will soon restart, he hammered.
“The future of the African continent will depend on the vision of its leaders,” said the Burundian Head of State, adding that Africa has several assets.
According to President Ndayishimiye, the unity of African leaders will move Africa forward with a win-win partnership.
“Burundi is a hidden paradise” declared the Number One Burundian, highlighting its incredibly beautiful nature, the famous savannahs, the fauna and flora, the fabulous landscapes, its mythical Lake Tanganyika with its fresh waters, Lake Rwihinda and its splendid migratory birds.
According to President Ndayishimiye, the Vision Burundi Emerging in 2040 and developed in 2060, the tourism sector occupies a priority place. “We want to make Burundi the best tourist destination in East Africa.”
A still little-known destination, Burundi is a country that has a lot to offer: its mountains and valleys, its wild savannah, its forests, and above all the legendary hospitality of its inhabitants and its cultural diversity. Burundi is also the cradle of the mythical Sacred Royal Drum, classified by Unesco as an intangible heritage of Humanity.
Regarding his overloaded schedule, the President of the Republic said that everything is a question of organization and planning because there is a balance in life to be had, regardless of the functions he occupies.
The exercise of his function and his free time is often devoted to self-development projects
which he often does with his family, reading and meeting his compatriots.
Indeed, His Excellency Ndayishimiye recalled that he is human, that he is athletic playing the drum, and that it must be kept in mind that as President of the Republic he is a father of a family and Father of ‘a
Nation that he keeps listening to on a daily basis.
The Father of the Burundian Nation recalled that the world salutes the works of the First Lady of Burundi through her Umugiraneza foundation, as evidenced by the prize awarded to her by the United Nations for the population 2023 edition.
Through her initiatives and vision, she contributes to the development of the country, said HE Évariste Ndayishimiye.
Responding to the definition of power, President Ndayishimiye said that power is a tacit contract which commits the leader to vouch for the well-being of the people who confer it on him. The leader must know how to lead his people well with vision, he added.
According to the Burundian Head of State, the concept of power is knowing how to protect his people well.
The Presidency
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