By The World Ambassador
TWA
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Pakistan and Rwanda have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation across key sectors including trade, defense, technology, and diplomacy.
The development came during the official visit of Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, to Pakistan from April 21–22. He held delegation-level talks with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar.
During the discussions, both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on diplomatic training and agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, digital innovation, and people-to-people exchanges. Pakistan welcomed Rwanda’s participation in the upcoming Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and Single Country Exhibition in Addis Ababa in May 2025.
Remarks by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar:
Senator Ishaq Dar underscored the significance Pakistan places on its relationship with Rwanda. He noted that Pakistan had established its High Commission in Kigali in 2021, and welcomed the expected inauguration of Rwanda’s High Commission in Islamabad during the current visit.
He highlighted Pakistan’s position as a key importer of Rwandan tea and expressed interest in expanding imports to include coffee, avocados, pulses, and horticultural goods. Additionally, he pointed to opportunities for Pakistan to boost exports to Rwanda in pharmaceuticals, textiles, surgical instruments, rice, agri-tech, and sports goods.
FM Dar also emphasized the potential for cooperation in digital fields such as e-governance, fintech, and youth-focused technology platforms, inviting Rwanda to explore tech partnerships with Pakistani firms.
Remarks by Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe:
Ambassador Nduhungirehe described the MoU as part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, noting that further agreements were under consideration. He stated that Rwanda’s current exports to Pakistan stood at approximately $26 million, while Pakistan’s exports to Rwanda were around $100 million.
He expressed Rwanda’s interest in expanding cooperation in education, health, trade, and defense. The foreign minister also highlighted tourism and sports—particularly cricket—as areas with strong potential for collaboration. He praised Pakistan’s contributions to UN peacekeeping in Africa and its current role on the UN Security Council, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to peace efforts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The visit also celebrated growing trade volumes and mutual support in international platforms, with special appreciation for Pakistan’s role in UN peacekeeping efforts.
