Rwanda and Belgium have agreed to restore diplomatic relations and reopen their respective embassies following months of talks….reports Africa Daily News Desk
Rwanda and Belgium have agreed to restore diplomatic relations and reopen their respective embassies, following months of talks aimed at addressing differences between the two countries.
The decision was jointly announced on Tuesday by Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe and Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation Minister Maxime Prévot.
The two countries said their decision was taken pursuant to Article 2 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Their respective bilateral embassies will be reopened in the near future, with each mission initially headed by a chargé d’affaires ad interim. The missions will also include a diplomat or consular officer and a small technical support team.
Requests for approval of ambassadors will subsequently be submitted as part of a future diplomatic appointment process. Rwanda’s ambassador to Belgium will also be accredited to the European Union, according to the joint statement.
The restoration of relations follows a series of meetings and informal contacts between the two foreign ministers over recent months. The talks addressed several differences and misunderstandings between the two countries in what both sides described as a constructive atmosphere.
Rwanda and Belgium also expressed their gratitude to Qatar for facilitating the first meeting between Nduhungirehe and Prévot in Doha in June 2025.
The two countries said they remained committed to maintaining an open, candid and transparent dialogue as they work to address bilateral differences and discuss divergent positions on international issues.
They also agreed on a set of principles to guide their future relations, including non interference, mutual respect and constructive engagement.
The move marks a diplomatic step towards rebuilding relations between Kigali and Brussels after a period of tensions.
Both governments said continued dialogue would be important for addressing disagreements and managing differences while maintaining diplomatic engagement.
The joint statement did not provide further details on the timeline for reopening the embassies or appointing ambassadors, saying the missions would initially operate under chargé d’affaires before ambassadorial appointments are pursued.
The restoration of diplomatic relations is expected to provide a formal framework for renewed engagement between Rwanda and Belgium, including through their diplomatic missions and discussions involving the European Union.
