Rwanda has renewed its commitment to strengthening cooperation among African, Caribbean, and Pacific nations as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, attended the 121st Session of the Council of Ministers of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) in Brussels, Belgium. Accompanying the minister was His Excellency Ambassador Igor César, Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, who joined the Rwandan delegation during the high-level ministerial discussions.
The Council meeting brought together ministers and senior officials from OACPS member states to evaluate progress on implementing the Malabo Declaration, advance institutional reforms, accelerate the operationalization of the Samoa Agreement, and strengthen coordination on issues of shared interest in international forums. The discussions centered on reinforcing partnerships that support sustainable development, economic transformation, climate resilience, and a stronger collective voice for developing countries in global decision-making.
Speaking during the session, Minister Nduhungirehe emphasized that the OACPS continues to serve as an essential platform for practical South-South cooperation and coordinated engagement in multilateral diplomacy. He noted that closer collaboration among member states is vital to addressing shared challenges while advancing common priorities on the international stage.
“The strength of the OACPS lies in its role as a platform for practical South-South cooperation and coordinated action in multilateral forums,” Minister Nduhungirehe said. “By working together, Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific can amplify their collective voice and advance shared priorities in global governance, climate action and sustainable development.”
Rwanda’s participation also reflected the country’s broader commitment to constructive diplomacy and international partnership. Ambassador Igor César, who has served as Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany since 27 August 2015, brought to the delegation more than a decade of diplomatic leadership and extensive experience in international relations, strategic planning, immigration, business development, and development cooperation gained in both Rwanda and North America. His participation reinforced Rwanda’s continued engagement with international partners and its efforts to deepen dialogue within multilateral institutions.
The meeting further highlighted the importance of the Samoa Agreement as a renewed framework for cooperation between OACPS member states and their international partners. Delegates underscored that effective implementation of the agreement will help promote inclusive economic growth, sustainable development, stronger regional integration, and enhanced collaboration in addressing global challenges.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reaffirmed that Rwanda remains committed to working closely with fellow OACPS members to strengthen institutional cooperation, promote sustainable development, and ensure that the interests and perspectives of Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific continue to be effectively represented in international governance. Through its active participation in multilateral organizations, Rwanda continues to advocate for practical partnerships that foster peace, shared prosperity, and equitable global development.
