Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe held a constructive meeting with Switzerland’s Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Ignazio Cassis, following the formal opening of the Swiss Embassy in Kigali, marking a significant step in bilateral relations and regional cooperation.
The Embassy, inaugurated on 20 November 2025, upgraded Switzerland’s long-standing cooperation office in Kigali to a full diplomatic mission, signalling Switzerland’s intent to deepen political, economic, and development engagement with Rwanda and the wider East African region.
During the meeting — the first high-level exchange since the Embassy opened — the two officials discussed a range of issues shaping the Rwanda–Switzerland partnership. These included the 2026–29 cooperation programme, which outlines collaborative efforts in areas such as governance, human rights, and sustainable development. They also exchanged views on regional security challenges, including the implementation of the peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where instability continues to affect communities and cross-border ties.
The opening of the Swiss Embassy reflects deeper shared interests. Switzerland has been actively present in the region through development cooperation initiatives and peace support programmes, particularly across the Great Lakes region. The embassy enhances Switzerland’s diplomatic footprint at a time when regional stability and economic integration are high priorities.
For Rwanda, hosting a full Swiss Embassy reinforces its growing role as a diplomatic and economic hub in East Africa. It is expected to boost bilateral cooperation, investment, and people-to-people ties, while also providing more direct support for Rwandans and Swiss citizens.
The two countries have enjoyed cooperation since the early 1960s, with Switzerland supporting Rwanda through development and humanitarian programmes over many decades. The recent upgrade to a full embassy — the first since Switzerland maintained a mission in Kigali from 1970 to 1985 before shifting to Nairobi — signals a renewed commitment to expanding this partnership.
In their discussions, both sides also reaffirmed shared commitments to human rights, economic development, and peace efforts in the region — underscoring how bilateral diplomacy can contribute to broader stability across East and Central Africa.
