Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Russian Federation, Maj. Gen. Joseph Nzabamwita, said that Rwanda is seeking to expand its cooperation with the Russian Federation in defence and security, agriculture, trade, investment, healthcare, education, science and technology, sports and tourism
In an interview with Russian news agency TASS, Nzabamwita highlighted the importance of turning the longstanding relationship between the two countries into practical partnerships that benefit both sides.
His remarks followed his participation in the international forum North Caucasus: Space of Dialogue, Traditions, and Development, where he discussed opportunities for expanding cooperation between Rwanda and Russia.
The discussions come ahead of the third Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled for October 28-29 in Moscow, which President Paul Kagame is expected to attend alongside a high-level Rwandan delegation.
Nzabamwita said the two countries were preparing several agreements ahead of the summit, including plans to establish a joint commission on economic, social and political cooperation.
Additional agreements covering healthcare and education are also being prepared.
According to the ambassador, President Kagame is also expected to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the summit to discuss further cooperation between the two countries.
Investment is among Rwanda’s priorities, particularly in mining, fertiliser production and sports infrastructure.
The ambassador encouraged Russian companies to establish fertiliser manufacturing facilities in Rwanda, saying local production could be more affordable and beneficial than relying entirely on imported products.
“We want to invite companies from the North Caucasus to come and invest in Rwanda,” he told TASS.
Education is another area Rwanda hopes to expand, with the country seeking more opportunities for its students to attend Russian universities, particularly in healthcare, information technology and agriculture.
Nzabamwita said expanding educational cooperation would help Rwanda train more professionals in sectors important to its development.
The two countries are also cooperating in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, with Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation, Rosatom, supporting Rwanda’s plans to develop a small modular nuclear reactor. Rwanda is targeting the early 2030s for the project.
In trade, Nzabamwita said Rwanda had begun supplying more agricultural products to Russia, including coffee, while continuing to import Russian fertilisers and equipment.
He also expressed Rwanda’s interest in attracting more Russian tourists and strengthening cooperation in sports and other commercial activities.
Rwanda and Russia hope to formalise some of their cooperation plans during the upcoming summit, including agreements covering economic cooperation, healthcare and education.
Elie GATETE
RADIOTV10