KIGALI — Rwanda and Israel have reaffirmed their growing partnership, with senior officials from both nations highlighting shared values, resilience, and concrete cooperation in agriculture, security, and innovation during celebrations marking Israel’s 78th Independence Day.
The event, held on May 28 at the Kigali Convention Centre and hosted by the Embassy of Israel in Rwanda, brought together government leaders, diplomats, and development partners. The official independence day falls on May 29, but celebrations took place a day earlier.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared History
Speaking at the gathering, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, drew a powerful parallel between the two nations’ journeys.
“Seventy-eight years ago, Israel’s founding represented the birth of a nation of resilience, vision and unity — of a people determined to thrive despite adversity,” he said. “Since then, Israel has emerged as a global leader in innovation, agriculture, water management and technology, transforming challenges into opportunities.”
Nduhungirehe noted that the occasion also reflected the deepening friendship between Rwanda and Israel, rooted in common values and a shared history of overcoming tragedy.
Agriculture as a Cornerstone
The minister spotlighted agriculture as a central pillar of bilateral cooperation, citing ongoing initiatives designed to boost productivity and food security.
“Together we have launched a number of transformative initiatives, including the Rwanda-Israel Horticulture Centre of Excellence, which serves as a dynamic hub for training, research and the demonstration of cutting-edge horticultural practices,” he said.
He also pointed to the Gabiro Agribusiness Hub, a large-scale project set to transform more than 15,000 hectares in Rwanda’s Eastern Province into an integrated agricultural ecosystem.
Expanding Beyond Agriculture
Cooperation between the two countries extends into security, trade, and investment, Nduhungirehe added, with both sides recognizing the importance of stability and economic growth.
“With Rwanda as a gateway to Africa and Israel as a hub of innovation, our partnership is creating new pathways for entrepreneurship and shared prosperity,” he said.
He also commended educational and technical exchanges supported through MASHAV, Israel’s international development cooperation agency, saying they continue to build skills and strengthen people-to-people relations.
Ambassador: ‘A Strategic Friendship’
Einat Weiss, Israel’s Ambassador to Rwanda, described the occasion as both a commemoration and a celebration of a robust and evolving alliance.
“Both our peoples understand the painful consequences of hatred, extremism and genocide. Both nations have faced existential threats and emerged with determination, dignity and hope,” Weiss said.
She noted that this shared experience continues to guide cooperation in remembrance, education, and efforts to combat genocide denial, antisemitism, and all forms of hatred.
Weiss praised Rwanda’s progress, saying, “Rwanda’s visionary leadership, stability and business-friendly environment have positioned this country as one of Africa’s most attractive destinations for investment and innovation.”
Looking to the Future
The ambassador emphasized plans to expand collaboration into emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, climate resilience, and smart agriculture.
“The friendship between Israel and Rwanda is not merely diplomatic. It is strategic, positioning the two nations as states of excellence in their respective regions,” Weiss said. “Our nations demonstrate to the world that even after profound tragedy, it is possible to rebuild, to innovate and to inspire.”
Images:NewTimes
