The presentation of credentials officially accredits Ambassador Nzabamwita as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Rwanda to the Russian Federation. The event marked the start of his diplomatic mission in Moscow and was attended by senior Russian officials and representatives of foreign diplomatic missions.
President Putin also received letters of credence from ambassadors of several other countries during the ceremony, including Somalia, Gabon, Senegal, Mauritania, Algeria, Ghana, and Namibia, alongside representatives from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Addressing the diplomats, President Putin emphasised the importance of cooperation, saying that 'international cooperation is fundamental to humanity's sustainable development and prosperity,' and stressed the need for open and constructive partnerships in an increasingly complex global environment.
Ambassador Nzabamwita was appointed Rwanda's ambassador-designate to Russia in December 2024. He brings extensive experience in national security and public service, having previously served as Presidential Advisor on Security. Before that, he held the position of Secretary General of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS).
He succeeds Lt Gen Mushyo Kamanzi, who had represented Rwanda in Moscow since 2019.
Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Russia date back to 1963, and the two countries have since maintained cordial and cooperative ties. Both nations operate resident diplomatic missions at ambassadorial level, reflecting the strength and continuity of their bilateral relationship.
Cooperation between Rwanda and Russia spans several sectors, including political engagement, military collaboration, education, human resource development, training, and cultural exchange. Russia has also been offering university scholarships to Rwandan students as part of its support for skills development and academic cooperation.
In recent years, nuclear energy has emerged as a key area of collaboration. Rwanda is working with Russia to establish a nuclear research centre by 2030, aimed at producing radioactive materials for cancer diagnosis and treatment, enhancing agricultural productivity through radiation technologies, and supporting industrial testing and innovation.
Ambassador Nzabamwita's appointment comes at a time when both countries are seeking to deepen strategic cooperation, particularly in science, technology, and energy, building on decades of diplomatic engagement.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/amb-joseph-nzabamwita-presents-credentials-to-russian-president
