Israel inaugurates first embassy in Rwanda’s Kigali

Israel has opened its embassy in Rwanda on April 1 for the first time after half-a-century since the two countries established diplomatic relations.

The inauguration of Israeli embassy in Rwanda also marks first in an African country in eight years after Ghana in 2011. Launched in the capital Kigali, this new move underlines the country’s keen interest to expand its presence in Africa.

Yuval Rotem, director general of the Israeli foreign ministry, together with Richard Sezibera, Rwandan minister of foreign affairs, inaugurated the embassy in Kigali. Rwanda’s national airline, RwandAir is slated to begin direct flights to Israel in the coming months.

“We are returning to Africa. We surely took our time but I promise to you to make up quickly the lost time and efficiently,” Yuval Rotem reiterated his country’s intent upon the launch. He further described Israel and Rwanda as those family members who are similar to each other than the others.

“I can think of no any other country within our African family which is similar to us as Rwanda. We are both small countries which have suffered greatly. I believe it is fair to say that we have both risen from the ashes in all of our history,” he added.

“Rwanda and Israel enjoy cordial relations and the opening of its embassy in our country will further deepen our relations,” Richard Sezibera said. “The strength and resilience shown by both countries to overcome tragedy will continue to bring our people and leaders together in our common determination to build a more just global order,” he added.

A special privilege to inaugurate our Embassy in #Rwanda! 🇮🇱🇷🇼This is a major step in the implementation of PM Netanyahu's policy of Israel returning to #Africa! pic.twitter.com/LgUY6MuUJ8

— Yuval Rotem 🇮🇱 (@Yuval_Rotem) April 1, 2019

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