The meeting took place in Tokyo on August 21, 2025, where Minister Nduhungirehe was attending the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).
During the talks, Minister Iwaya welcomed the recent peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, stressed the importance of all parties fulfilling the commitments made, and expressed his hope for Rwanda's role in advancing peace and stability.
Minister Nduhungirehe expressed gratitude for Japan's longstanding cooperation through TICAD and voiced his commitment to strengthening Japanâ€"Africa partnership while contributing to regional peace and security.
Minister Iwaya further noted Japan's humanitarian support, including food assistance to refugees and host communities through the World Food Programme (WFP), in response to the deteriorating situation in the Great Lakes region. He emphasised that regional stability is vital for business operations in Rwanda and reiterated Japan's support for regionally-led stabilisation efforts.
In response, Minister Nduhungirehe conveyed appreciation for Japan's humanitarian assistance and expressed his wish to deepen cooperation, particularly in the economic field.
Rwanda's relations with Japan began officially after its independence in 1962 and were strengthened in the early 2000s when both countries opened embassies in Tokyo and Kigali.
This partnership is built on cooperation in economic development, trade, investment, technical assistance, transport, energy, water, sanitation, agriculture, education, information technology, and meteorological services.
IGIHE
