Speeches

Rukari Royal Palace Inauguration Ceremony

Honorable Minister of Culture, Joseph Habineza,
Honorable Ministers,
Honorable Members of the Senate and Chambers of Deputies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honor, as well as a pleasure, for me to be here today as a witness to the inauguration of the Rwandan Ancient History Museum in the historic Rukari Royal Palace.  
This historic site will help provide both local and foreign visitors with a greater appreciation for the cultural heritage of Rwanda.

The Nyanza Palace remains an important tie to Rwanda’s past.  But it is also a testament to your country’s commitment to a peaceful and prosperous future. 
This preservation, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of Rukari Royal Palace indeed highlights Rwanda’s strong commitment to building a bright future on the foundations of its past. Rwanda needs to understand and accept its history. 

After what happened 14 years ago there still remains a critical need to reclaim and restore your country’s cultural heritage, and, today, we are privileged to share in the restoration and revival of one of the many Rwandan heritage sites and cultural traditions.
Today, cultural heritage is endangered. 

It requires a global effort to preserve and protect what is left of last civilizations. 
Nations have an obligation to protect the traditions, historical sites, and traditional crafts that make each of our peoples unique.

The people of the United States of America are proud to partner with the Government and people of Rwanda in preserving their heritage.  
We, along with our international partners, continue to welcome Rwanda’s historical achievements and the bold steps taken in fostering unity and reconciliation among her people, while rebuilding the economy.

The Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation:
The Ambassador’s Fund was established by Congress in 2001 to assist countries in preserving their cultural heritages.  

Rwanda was one of the countries that the Fund felt was important and gave around Rfw 20.7 million to restore the Rukari Royal Palace. 

As Congress intended, the Ambassador’s Fund allows us to show another side of America -- one that recognizes the contributions of cultures in other countries that enrich us all. 
More importantly, the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation successfully demonstrates in concrete, visible ways, the U. S. efforts and commitment to understanding and preserving the heritage of others.

These efforts include the repair, rehabilitation and restoration of this historic and cultural site, whose vital role is to renovate the National Archives and ensure proper preservation for its priceless collections.

This project is very significant to the preservation of Rwanda's proud history and brings awareness of the importance of conservation efforts at the country's other heritage sites. 
Again, our contributions in the rehabilitation of Rukari Royal Palace are representative of USG’s dedication to Rwanda, its culture, history, and future.

In closing, I would like to make a special note of thanks to the Ministry of Culture and Sports, and to the members and staff of the National Museum in particular, whose contributions and efforts have made today’s dedication possible.

Thank you for inviting me here today to share in this memorable event.