Pakistan and Rwanda reaffirmed on Monday their commitment to improve bilateral cooperation in multiple sectors, including trade, defense, technology and diplomacy.
The promise followed a meeting at the level of delegation between the Vice Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator Ishaq Dar, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda and international cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirarehe. Rwanda’s Foreign Minister was on his first official visit to Pakistan from April 21 to 22.
During their discussions, both parties expressed satisfaction with progress in bilateral relations and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in the field of diplomatic training. The ministers highlighted the potential of greater collaboration in priority areas such as trade, investment, defense, diplomacy and exchanges of people to people.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of Pakistan present in his relationship with Rwanda, noting that Pakistan established his high commission in Kigali in 2021, and that the inauguration of the High Commission of Ruanda in Islamabad was expected during the current visit.
Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan was a key importer of Rwanda tea and was exploring greater imports of other products, including coffee, avocados, legumes and horticultural products. He also pointed out the potential for Pakistan to expand its exports to Rwanda in pharmaceutical products, textiles, rice, surgical instruments, agricultural technology and sports equipment.
Highlighting the digital sector, FM Dar said that Pakistan was interested in associating with Rwanda in areas such as electronic government, Fintech, digital innovation and technological platforms focused on youth. He welcomed Rwanda’s participation at the next Pakistan-Africa Commercial Development Conference and a single country exhibition at Addis Abeba in May 2025.
Both ministers recognized the importance of high -level exchanges and collaboration in multilateral forums, with mutual support for candidacies in the United Nations and other international organizations.
The Foreign Minister, NDUHUNGEHEHE, said that the signature of the MOU was part of broader efforts to deepen cooperation, with additional agreements under consideration. He said that his delegation, which included representatives of the Development Board of Rwanda and the Ministry of Commerce, reflected Rwanda’s interest in expanding commercial ties with Pakistan.
Rwanda exports to Pakistan are currently at approximately $ 26 million, while Pakistan exports to Rwanda total about $ 100 million, according to Rwanda Foreign Minister. He expressed interest in exploring joint projects in sectors such as education, health, trade and defense.
NDUHUNGIREHE also emphasized the potential for collaboration in tourism and sports, including Cricket, which is followed widely in both countries. He praised the contributions of Pakistan to the maintenance of UN peace and conflict resolution in Africa, especially in the context of the current non -permanent seat of Pakistan in the UN Security Council.
He reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to the ongoing peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of the East of the Congo (RDC) and expressed hope of progress in the coming months.
