The visit reinforced growing ties between Rwanda and Hungary, following previous high-level engagements, including visits to Rwanda by Hungary's President Katalin Novák in 2023 and Foreign and Trade Minister Péter Szijjártó in 2021.
One of the key highlights was the official inauguration of Rwanda's Embassy in Hungary. During the ceremony, Minister Nduhungirehe emphasized that this step reflects Rwanda's commitment to deepening diplomatic relations with friendly nations, especially Hungary.
Rwanda opened its embassy in Budapest in December 2023. In March 2024, Ambassador Marguerite Françoise Nyagahura presented her credentials to Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok.
Speaking during the inauguration, Minister Nduhungirehe highlighted the significance of the new embassy in strengthening ties between the two nations.
'This embassy, one of the newest in Rwanda's growing diplomatic network, reflects our efforts to expand our global engagement and build ties with like-minded partners like Hungary,' he said.
'The presence of a resident ambassador here in Budapest has already begun to bear fruit, facilitating more direct exchanges, stronger institutional ties, and meaningful collaborations across sectors.'
He added that there was strong potential to deepen cooperation through mutually beneficial projects that connect businesses and institutions in both countries.
'This embassy will serve not just as a diplomatic mission, but as a bridgeâ€"fostering dialogue, encouraging innovation, and building enduring friendships between our peoples,' he said.
Boglárka Illés, Hungary's Minister of State for Bilateral Relations, also attended the inauguration ceremony, representing Hungary's commitment to closer ties with Rwanda.
She stated that Rwanda is seen as a valuable partner and a strategic entry point for investors targeting the East African market.
Hungarian Investment in Rwanda
Minister Nduhungirehe told IGIHE that the delegation visited several institutions to encourage Hungarian investors to consider Rwanda.
Among them was Hunland, a Hungarian company specializing in cattle breeding and dairy production. The company's executives previously visited Rwanda, met with officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, and toured a livestock project in Gako.
They expressed interest to invest $63 million (approx. Rwf 89.9 billion) to establish a cattle farm with over 2,000 high-yielding dairy cows.
"Over the next five years, they plan to invest in more than 2,000 high-quality dairy cows and establish a livestock project that will supply improved cattle breeds to Rwandans and the wider region. This investment will be carried out in partnership with Rwandans,' Nduhungirehe noted.
However, he added that the proposal is still under review by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Rwanda Development Board for approval.
The visit also included discussions on expanding cooperation in trade and investment, education, sports, health, nuclear energy, and more.
On regional security, Hungary expressed support for resolving the Eastern DR Congo crisis through dialogue rather than armed conflict.
The two countries also plan to begin negotiations in June 2025 on a bilateral investment protection agreement, covering Rwandan investments in Hungary and vice versa.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó welcomed the strengthened relations and highlighted their support for rehabilitating Rwanda's Karenge Water Treatment Plant in Rwamagana District, with an investment of over $52 million. Renovation work is expected to begin soon.
Broader cooperation in sports
Minister Nduhungirehe also delivered a public lecture at Hungary's Diplomatic Academy on Rwanda's foreign policy, emphasizing key pillars such as maintaining national security, attracting investment, and peaceful coexistence with other nations.
The Rwandan delegation visited the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Europe's largest and the world's third-largest thermal bath facility, to explore collaboration in sports and wellness.
'These baths offer high-standard facilities for both training and international competitions. We wanted to explore how such experiences can help develop swimming in Rwanda,' Nduhungirehe said.
Minister Mukazayire held talks with Hungary's Secretary of State for Sports, and both parties agreed to finalize a sports cooperation agreement.
Hungary, renowned in aquatic sports, pledged to send experts to assess Rwanda's needs and support coach and athlete capacity building.
The delegation also visited the Hungarian Motorsport Academy, which supports the organization of Formula 1 races, aligning with Rwanda's interest in potentially hosting Formula 1 in the future.
Minister Mukazayire sought to understand the infrastructure, preparation, and capacity needs required to organize such global competitions.
She also met with Hungary's Cycling Federation officials, and they agreed to cooperate in capacity building for cycling.
Minister Mukazayire invited the Hungarian team to participate in the 2025 UCI Road World Championships to be held in Kigali in September. They confirmed their participation.
The visit concluded with the Rwandan delegation attending the opening ceremony of the 100th edition of the 'Tour de Hongrie.'
Minister Mukazayire addressed attendees, encouraging them to follow the 2025 World Championships in Kigali and explore Rwanda's vibrant tourism attractions.
Inauguration of Rwandan embassy in Hungary
Hungary's Minister Péter Szijjártó receiving his Rwandan counterpart
Minister Péter Szijjártó and Amb. Nduhungirehe addressed members of the press
Engagement with investors
Széchenyi Thermal Bath visit
Visit to the Hungarian Motorsport Academy
Karirima Aimable Ngarambe
