Rwanda’s foreign minister and Russia’s deputy foreign minister discussed enhancing relations and the Eastern DR Congo situation amid rising tensions due to M23 rebel actions. The countries, linked through decades of diplomatic ties and cooperation in various fields, emphasized commitment to stability and educational exchange.
Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, engaged in a phone conversation with Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Bogdanov Mikhail Leonidovich, emphasizing the strengthening of bilateral relations and discussing the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo). This exchange highlights the commitment of both nations to enhance cooperation amidst the ongoing regional tensions arising from the M23 rebels’ recent actions.
The conversation, reported by Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, revealed a focus on cooperation concerning the Eastern DRC crisis. Regional instability intensified following the M23 rebels’ seizure of Goma on January 27, leading to a stated ceasefire initiated by the rebels on February 3 for humanitarian reasons, complicating the crisis further.
Rwanda and Russia have fostered diplomatic relations since 1963, with ongoing cooperation in various sectors, including political, military, and educational. Russia has provided over 800 scholarships to Rwandan students over the past fifty years, allowing Rwandans to study in fields such as law, medicine, and political science at Russian universities.
Russia’s newly appointed ambassador to Rwanda, Alexander Polyakov, reiterated the commitment to deepening the historically strong relations between the two countries, acknowledging Rwanda’s significant contributions to African integration and international peacekeeping. He expressed strong support for a peaceful resolution to the conflicts in Eastern DR Congo through dialogue.
Russia and Rwanda’s relations extend across multiple areas, such as military cooperation and nuclear energy. Ambassador Polyakov confirmed the continued provision of state-funded scholarships for Rwandan youth, signaling Russia’s willingness to strengthen educational ties further. Discussions surrounding these initiatives underline the shared objectives of both nations.
The article addresses the recent dialogue between Rwanda and Russia concerning the political and military landscape in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Tensions in the region have heightened due to the actions of the M23 rebel group, prompting discussions on international cooperation and humanitarian responses. The historical context of Rwanda-Russia relations provides a backdrop for understanding their ongoing collaboration, especially in security and education sectors.
In summary, the recent talks between Rwanda and Russia focus on enhancing bilateral ties and addressing the unstable situation in the Eastern DR Congo. The countries have a longstanding, cooperative relationship spanning decades and numerous sectors. The continued dialogue and collaboration underscore a mutual commitment to regional stability and educational development, indicating a deepening partnership moving forward.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
