Pakistan and Rwanda came together on Monday to reaffirm their dedication to boosting cooperation in various areas, including trade, defense, technology, and diplomacy.
This commitment emerged after a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar, and Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe. This visit marked the Rwandan foreign minister’s first official trip to Pakistan, taking place from April 21 to 22.
During their talks, both parties expressed their satisfaction with the strides made in their bilateral relations and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on diplomatic training. The ministers also pointed out the exciting opportunities for further collaboration in key areas like trade, investment, defense, diplomacy, and fostering people-to-people connections.
Deputy Prime Minister Dar underscored how much Pakistan values its relationship with Rwanda, mentioning that Pakistan set up its High Commission in Kigali back in 2021, and that the opening of Rwanda’s High Commission in Islamabad is anticipated during this visit.
Ishaq Dar mentioned that Pakistan plays a significant role as a key importer of Rwandan tea and is looking into boosting imports of other products like coffee, avocados, pulses, and various horticultural items. He also pointed out the exciting opportunity for Pakistan to increase its exports to Rwanda, particularly in pharmaceuticals, textiles, rice, surgical instruments, agri-tech, and sports gear.
Focusing on the digital landscape, FM Dar expressed Pakistan’s eagerness to collaborate with Rwanda in areas such as e-governance, fintech, digital innovation, and technology platforms aimed at the youth. He also extended a warm invitation for Rwanda to join the upcoming Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and Single Country Exhibition set to take place in Addis Ababa in May 2025.
Both ministers recognized the value of high-level exchanges and working together in multilateral forums, pledging mutual support for each other’s candidacies at the United Nations and other international organizations.
Foreign Minister Nduhungirehe pointed out that signing the MoU is just one piece of a larger puzzle aimed at strengthening cooperation, with more agreements on the horizon. He mentioned that his delegation, which included members from Rwanda’s Development Board and trade ministry, showcases Rwanda’s eagerness to boost business connections with Pakistan.
Currently, Rwanda exports about $26 million worth of goods to Pakistan, while imports from Pakistan amount to roughly $100 million, as noted by the Rwandan foreign minister. He expressed a keen interest in pursuing joint projects in areas like education, health, trade, and defense.
Nduhungirehe also highlighted the exciting possibilities for collaboration in tourism and sports, particularly cricket, which enjoys a huge following in both nations. He praised Pakistan’s role in UN peacekeeping and conflict resolution efforts in Africa, especially given Pakistan’s current non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
He reiterated Rwanda’s dedication to ongoing peace initiatives in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and shared his hopes for meaningful progress in the coming months.
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Q1. What was the purpose of Rwanda’s foreign minister’s visit to Pakistan?
The Rwandan foreign minister visited Pakistan to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, defense, technology, diplomacy, and people-to-people ties. This was his first official visit and took place from April 21 to 22, 2025.
Q2. What agreements were signed during the Pakistan-Rwanda meeting?
Pakistan and Rwanda signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on diplomatic training, with more agreements expected in areas like trade, education, health, and defense.
Q3. What are the key areas of cooperation between Pakistan and Rwanda?
Both countries are prioritizing collaboration in trade, investment, defense, digital technology, diplomacy, tourism, and youth-focused innovation.
Q4. How is Pakistan contributing to Rwanda’s trade growth?
Pakistan imports Rwandan tea and is exploring new imports such as coffee, avocados, pulses, and horticultural goods. Pakistan also aims to boost exports to Rwanda in pharmaceuticals, textiles, surgical instruments, and sports gear.
Q5. What role does technology play in Pakistan-Rwanda relations?
Pakistan is eager to collaborate with Rwanda in digital sectors like e-governance, fintech, and youth-oriented tech platforms, signaling a strong focus on innovation and digital transformation.
Q6. What is the significance of the Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference?
The upcoming conference in Addis Ababa in May 2025 aims to strengthen Pakistan’s trade and diplomatic ties with African nations, including Rwanda, and promote mutual business opportunities.
