Rwanda and Israel have signed new agreements aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation in development, innovation, and education, as the two countries seek to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties.
The agreements were signed during a meeting in Jerusalem between Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
Announcing the outcome of the meeting, Sa’ar said the agreements would deepen cooperation between the two nations across key sectors while reinforcing their long-standing partnership.
“Today we signed agreements to expand cooperation in development, innovation and education, strengthening the partnership between our nations,” Sa’ar said in a statement shared on social media.
Beyond bilateral cooperation, the ministers also discussed regional and international security issues, including Israel’s current security situation and the U.S.-brokered peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
According to Sa’ar, both sides emphasized the importance of implementing the peace agreement, which seeks to ease tensions and promote long-term stability in the Great Lakes region.
The meeting comes as Rwanda continues to strengthen diplomatic engagement with partners in the Middle East while expanding cooperation in technology, education, trade, and innovation.
Sa’ar also reflected on the shared historical experiences of both countries, describing Rwanda and Israel as nations that have overcome profound national tragedies.
“We are two nations with painful histories, remarkable resilience, and an unwavering determination to build a better future for our people,” he said.
The latest agreements are expected to support joint initiatives in research, knowledge exchange, innovation, and human capital development as both countries seek to deepen collaboration in areas considered critical to economic growth and sustainable development.
The visit underscores Rwanda’s broader foreign policy objective of expanding strategic partnerships with countries across different regions while promoting investment, innovation, and regional peace.
