Cairo, Egypt — Russia and Rwanda have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation following high-level talks between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier Nduhungirehe, held in Cairo on the sidelines of the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum.
The meeting highlighted the determination of both Russia and Rwanda to strengthen their traditionally warm relations through practical and mutually beneficial cooperation. Officials said discussions focused on expanding collaboration in trade, economic development, and humanitarian initiatives, while also reinforcing political dialogue at the multilateral level.
Both delegations underscored the importance of closer coordination within the United Nations and other international platforms as a means of addressing shared global and regional challenges.
Opening the talks, Lavrov described the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum as an increasingly influential mechanism for engagement since its establishment following the Russia–Africa Summit. He emphasized that the forum has evolved beyond a purely organizational structure into a meaningful space for consultations on regional developments and bilateral priorities. Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s high regard for its relationship with Rwanda and expressed optimism that the dialogue would further advance cooperation on key international and regional issues.
Nduhungirehe welcomed the exchange, characterizing the meeting as constructive and forward-looking. He expressed satisfaction with the steady growth of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, noting that the discussions provided an opportunity to review what he described as strong bilateral cooperation and to explore avenues for expanding it in the years ahead.
Regional security, particularly developments in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, also featured prominently in the talks. Nduhungirehe thanked Russia for its continued support of peace efforts aimed at stabilizing the region and addressing long-standing security concerns.
Beyond diplomacy and security, the two countries are advancing cooperation in science and energy. Rwanda plans to establish a nuclear research center in partnership with Russia by 2030. The facility is expected to contribute to cancer diagnosis and treatment through the production of radioactive materials, enhance agricultural productivity using radiation technologies, and support industrial testing and innovation. Rwanda is also preparing to host Africa’s first demonstration of a Dual Fluid nuclear reactor and is evaluating small modular reactor technologies to sustainably meet its growing energy demands.
Speaking during the ministerial conference, Nduhungirehe highlighted Rwanda’s appreciation for Russia’s consistent support of a more equitable and representative international system. Referencing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 flagship initiative, Silencing the Guns, he noted that the goal of ending conflicts across Africa remains unmet and called on African states and the African Union to confront the root causes of instability in order to achieve lasting peace.
The Second Ministerial Conference in Cairo builds on earlier milestones in Russia–Africa relations, including the inaugural ministerial meeting in Sochi in November 2024 and the Second Russia–Africa Summit held in St. Petersburg in July 2023. Together, these engagements have laid the groundwork for expanded cooperation across diplomacy, security, and sustainable development, signaling a continued strengthening of ties between Moscow and Kigali.
