Rwanda’s new ambassador to Russia presents credentials to President Putin

By The Inspirer.

Ambassador Maj Gen Joseph Nzabamwita has officially assumed his duties as Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation after presenting his letters of credence to President Vladimir Putin.

The accreditation ceremony was held at the Kremlin in Moscow on Thursday, January 15, 2026, marking the formal beginning of his diplomatic mission.

Announcing the development on his X account, Ambassador Nzabamwita said the presentation of credentials signified the start of his role in advancing Rwanda’s interests and strengthening relations with Russia.

Rwanda and Russia share decades-long diplomatic ties founded on mutual respect, sovereignty, and cooperation in pursuit of development and peace. The relationship dates back to October 1963, during the period of the former Soviet Union.

The two countries have worked together across a range of sectors, including higher education, scientific research, health, energy, and industrial development, with a particular focus on capacity building and skills transfer.

In December 2025, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Cairo, where both sides reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening ties.

Among the key areas of collaboration discussed was the implementation of agreements signed in October 2019 to establish a Nuclear Science and Technology Centre in Rwanda, aimed at promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Russia continues to support Rwanda through education partnerships, offering university scholarships to Rwandan students in various fields and providing professional training to officers of the Rwanda National Police.

Over the past five decades, more than 100 Rwandans have completed their studies at Russian universities in disciplines such as technology, law, medicine, political science, and security studies.