Rwanda to establish diplomatic mission in Amman, expand ties

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Wednesday held the second round of the strategic dialogue with Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Vincent Biruta.  

The meeting featured the participation of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti, Director of the General Intelligence Department (GID) Maj. Gen. Ahmad Husni and their Rwandan counterparts, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Both sides explored avenues to enhance cooperation between the two nations in the economic, trade and defence fields.

Talks also covered global and regional issues of mutual interest, as well as strengthening anti-terrorism efforts in line with the Aqaba process.

Safadi and Biruta held the first round of political consultations between the two countries. 

Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing their countries’ growing friendship.

During the meetings, Safadi and Biruta signed an agreement exempting ordinary passport holders from visa requirements. They also signed two memoranda of understanding on cooperation in diplomatic training between their foreign ministries, and another on cooperation in population and urban development.

Previously, the two countries had signed seven agreements and memoranda of understanding to strengthen the legal framework for enhanced cooperation.

In joint press remarks with his Rwandan counterpart, Safadi underlined the commitment of both nations to enhance cooperation in line with the directives of their leaderships. 

Discussions covered sectors of common interest such as trade, tourism, fertilisers, pharmaceuticals and defence.

Safadi praised Rwanda's active participation in the Aqaba meetings, which focused on mobilising resources for joint anti-terrorism efforts. 

He also underlined the importance of an upcoming meeting in Rwanda under the Aqaba process to discuss anti-terrorism in Africa.

Discussions also covered various regional and international issues, as well as efforts to resolve conflicts and ensure stability and security in the MENA region, he added.

In response, Biruta expressed his appreciation for the visit. He also noted that this dialogue is the result of a decision taken in February 2023. 

This visit aims to further the strategic dialogue and strengthen cooperation in areas such as housing, urban development and diplomatic training, he added.

He stressed that the agreements, including an agreement visa exemptions for diplomats signed in February, and the new decision affecting ordinary passport holders, will facilitate communication and boost tourism, trade and investment activity.

Biruta underlined that this high-level delegation visit is an example of the mutual commitment of the leadership of both countries to promote bilateral and multilateral relations.

Regarding the regional and international dynamics, Biruta underlined the shared goal of contributing to peace, security and stability in their regions and beyond.

At the end of the talks, Biruta announced Rwanda's decision to establish a diplomatic mission in Amman, underlining its commitment to expand cooperation in various fields.