Rwanda is preparing to open an embassy in Azerbaijan as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations and expand cooperation between the two countries.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Gen. (Rtd) Charles Kayonga, announced the plan in an interview with Report News Agency after attending an international conference in Baku organized by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), which focused on the impact of Belgian colonialism.
Asked whether Rwanda plans to establish an embassy in Azerbaijan, Ambassador Kayonga confirmed that preparations are already underway and that the embassy will be opened in the future. He described Azerbaijan as an important country for Rwanda and expressed Rwanda’s desire to build a strong and special relationship with it.
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Rwanda and Azerbaijan Strengthen Diplomatic Relations
Ambassador Kayonga said relations between Rwanda and Azerbaijan have made significant progress, particularly in the political sphere. He noted that both countries are interested in expanding cooperation in different areas and developing closer ties despite being geographically far apart. “Rwanda would like Azerbaijan and Rwanda to have a special relationship, even though they are located in different parts of the world,” he said, adding that Rwanda wants the two countries to become “brotherly countries.”
Gen. (Rtd) Kayonga has represented Rwanda in Azerbaijan since 2024, although he is based in Türkiye.
President Kagame Has Visited Azerbaijan Twice
According to Ambassador Kayonga, President Paul Kagame has visited Azerbaijan twice since Kayonga began representing Rwanda there.
President Kagame travelled to Azerbaijan in November 2024 to attend COP29, the United Nations climate change conference. He also visited the country again in 2025, during which Rwanda and Azerbaijan signed five agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas including services, agriculture, education, trade and air transport.
These agreements have provided a foundation for expanding relations and creating opportunities for greater cooperation between the two countries.
Azerbaijan Offers Military Scholarships to Rwandan Students
The two countries are also developing cooperation in education and military training. Ambassador Kayonga revealed that Azerbaijan has awarded 20 scholarships to Rwandan students to pursue military studies. The scholarships are expected to contribute to the exchange of knowledge and professional skills between the two countries’ defence institutions.
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Rwanda Promotes Tourism and Local Products
Ambassador Kayonga also highlighted the opportunities Rwanda can offer Azerbaijani citizens, particularly in tourism and trade.
He encouraged people from Azerbaijan to visit Rwanda and experience its major tourist attractions, including the volcanic mountains that are home to mountain gorillas. He also highlighted Nyungwe National Park, known for its rich biodiversity, and Akagera National Park, which is famous for its wildlife.
Beyond tourism, Rwanda also hopes to promote locally produced goods and strengthen trade between the two countries.
Rwanda Plans Cultural Day in Baku
As part of efforts to increase Rwanda’s visibility in Azerbaijan, the country plans to organize a Rwandan Cultural Day in Baku next year.
The event is expected to showcase Rwanda’s culture, traditions, tourism opportunities and locally produced products to the Azerbaijani public.
The planned embassy and cultural activities demonstrate Rwanda’s intention to deepen its relationship with Azerbaijan and expand cooperation beyond political ties into areas such as education, defence, tourism, agriculture, trade and culture.
