The inauguration ceremony, held on Monday, was presided over by Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, who is on a two-day official visit to the Central European country.
He was accompanied by the Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, and warmly received by Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peter Szijjártó.
The mission, which began operations in 2024, becomes a valuable addition to Rwanda's expanding network of diplomatic missions. It is expected to play a vital role in fostering bilateral cooperation in key sectors, including trade, education, sports, and investment.
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.
Minister Nduhungirehe also expressed gratitude to the Hungarian government and people for their support and hospitality.
'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.
The inauguration follows a series of high-level engagements aimed at enhancing Rwanda-Hungary relations. Earlier this month, Ministers Nduhungirehe and Mukazayire met with Zsolt Mészáros, Hungary's Ambassador to Rwanda, in Kigali to discuss areas of mutual interest.
Ahead of the embassy opening on Monday, bilateral talks were held between Nduhungirehe and Szijjártó, where both sides reviewed the progress of existing partnerships and explored new opportunities in education, trade, and sports.
The latest engagements build on an expanding relationship anchored in 2023 when President Paul Kagame met with then-Hungarian President Katalin Novak, who had visited Rwanda.
Karirima Aimable Ngarambe
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-expands-diplomatic-footprint-with-new-embassy-in-hungary
