The new Russian Ambassador, Alexander Polyakov, was confirmed by the Cabinet Meeting on May 22, 2024, succeeding Karen Chalyan, who served in Rwanda from June 2018 until the end of his tour of duty in June 2024.
After presenting his credentials to the President on August 28, 2024, Amb. Polyakov expressed his commitment to strengthening the historical ties between Russia and Rwanda, benefiting the citizens of both nations.
Amb. Polyakov highlighted Russia's commitment to ongoing projects with Rwanda, including a promising nuclear energy initiative, and the exploration of other areas for cooperation.
'My main task is to take massive efforts to develop existing possibilities of the Russia and Rwanda agenda including the most promising project in the field of nuclear energy as well as finding new possibilities and opportunities in different areas,' he noted.
'We are very much satisfied with relations in terms of military and technical and Russia continues to provide an increasing number of state-financed scholarships to the Rwandan students,' added Amb. Polyakov.
He also mentioned Russia's recent proposal to establish an intergovernmental Russia-Rwanda commission on cooperation in trade, science, and technology, to alternate meetings between Kigali and Moscow to discuss practical issues and explore future opportunities.
He commended Rwanda's warm welcome and sent wishes to Rwandans for success and prosperity for Rwandans all their way towards modernization.
Meanwhile, the new Indian Ambassador to Rwanda, Shri Mridu Pawan Das, upon presenting his credentials, pledged to strengthen bilateral relations between Rwanda and India.
"I am delighted to be posted to this wonderful country. Both countries have friendly relations and it will be my endeavor to further strengthen existing friendly relations between India and Rwanda,' he noted.
Ambassador Shri Mridu is among the 12 ambassadors approved by the Cabinet on August 23, 2024, during a meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame.
Italian Ambassador Mauro Massoni, who will have residence in Kampala, was confirmed by the Cabinet on November 29, 2023. He expressed his readiness to boost trade relations between Italy and Rwanda.
"I am here to improve existing relations between Italy and Rwanda. We already have a number of Italian companies here, and my duty will be trying to increase them,' Amb. Massoni said, emphasizing the potential for further economic collaboration.
He also mentioned Italy's longstanding tradition of offering scholarships to Rwandan students and sees continued support in science and engineering education as a vital way to strengthen the ties between the two nations.
Azerbaijan's new Ambassador, Ruslan Rafael oglu Nasibov, who will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, also presented his credentials to President Kagame.
He affirmed that the relationship between Rwanda and Azerbaijan has been steadily growing over the past 20 years and expressed optimism about the potential for economic cooperation.
Amb. Ruslan also highlighted that there are many opportunities in the economic field, public service delivery and expressed optimism to make concrete steps very soon.
Other ambassadors who presented their credentials include the new UK High Commissioner, Alison Heather Thorpe, who succeeded Omar Daair after his tour of duty ended in July 2024.
Also present were Ambassador Fátima Yesenia Fernandes Juaréz of Venezuela, who will be based in Kampala, Ambassador Enrique Javier Ochoa Martínez of Mexico, with residence in Nairobi, and Ambassador Genţiana Şerbu of Romania, also based in Nairobi.
Rwanda currently hosts resident ambassadors from 45 countries, while another 72 ambassadors are accredited to Rwanda but with residences in other countries.
IGIHE
