Rwanda, Djibouti explore ways to expand bilateral cooperation

By The Inspirer.

Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, met with his Djiboutian counterpart Abdoulkader Houssein Omar to discuss strengthening and expanding cooperation between the two countries.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Djibouti, the meeting held on March 16, 2026 focused on reviewing the current state of bilateral relations and identifying new areas of partnership that could benefit both nations.

As part of his visit, Nduhungirehe is also expected to meet Ismaïl Omar Guelleh to deliver a special message from Paul Kagame.

Rwanda and Djibouti enjoy longstanding diplomatic ties and maintain regular consultations through a joint ministerial commission that meets periodically to explore new opportunities for collaboration.

Through this framework, the two countries signed nine cooperation agreements in November 2025 covering sectors such as sports, health, family development and diplomatic training.

Beyond these agreements, Rwanda and Djibouti have also partnered in areas including trade promotion, air transport, technology development, investment protection and visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders.

The strong relations between the two nations are further reflected in land allocations aimed at facilitating economic cooperation. Djibouti granted Rwanda 60 hectares of land, including plots located near the port and within a designated commercial zone. In return, Rwanda allocated Djibouti 10 hectares of land in the Masoro Industrial Zone to support its commercial and diplomatic presence in Kigali.