Pakistan and Rwanda on Monday signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of investment and diplomatic cooperation.
Rwanda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Olivier Jean-Patrick Nduhungirehe, arrived in Islamabad and was warmly received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two leaders held a joint press conference following their official meeting, where Dr Nduhungirehe announced the signing of an MoU on diplomatic training between the two countries. He also expressed interest in further institutional collaborations in the near future.
“We want Pakistani businessmen to come and explore opportunities in Rwanda,” he said, adding that bilateral relations are founded on mutual respect and shared aspirations.
“High-level exchanges will continue to further solidify this partnership.”
Rwanda currently exports goods worth $26 million annually to Pakistan, the minister revealed, with plans to expand trade, particularly in the export of high-quality Rwandan tea. “We are keen to send our premium tea to the Pakistani market,” he said.
The Rwandan Foreign Minister also highlighted the two nations’ shared commitment to global peacekeeping efforts, noting that both Pakistan and Rwanda are among the leading contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
On cultural and sports cooperation, Dr Nduhungirehe expressed Rwanda’s growing interest in cricket, a sport immensely popular in Pakistan. “We have many cricket fans in Rwanda, and we would welcome Pakistan’s support in developing our cricketing skills,” he said.
Senator Dar welcomed the Rwandan delegation and termed the visit a significant step toward strengthening Pakistan’s outreach in Africa under its ‘Engage Africa’ policy. “Pakistan is committed to fostering strong ties with African nations, and Rwanda is an important partner in this regard,” he said.
