The event gathered Russian government officials, heads of diplomatic missions, members of the diplomatic corps, development and academic partners, friends of Rwanda, and members of the Rwandan community from across Russia and Belarus. More than 350 guests attended the commemoration, including 51 heads of missions, 17 defence attachés, and 82 diplomats.
In his address, Rwanda's Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Maj Gen Joseph Nzabamwita, said Liberation Day honours the men and women who liberated Rwanda under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, ended the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and laid the foundation for the country's unity, reconciliation, security, and national transformation.
Marking Kwibohora32 under the theme 'Rwanda's journey continues,' the ambassador reflected on Rwanda's socio-economic progress over the past three decades, noting that the country's economy has grown more than tenfold since 1994.
He also highlighted Vision 2050, through which Rwanda aims to achieve upper-middle-income status by 2035 and high-income status by 2050.
Ambassador Nzabamwita reaffirmed Rwanda's commitment to further strengthening its longstanding cooperation with the Russian Federation, noting increasing momentum in bilateral relations across key sectors. These include nuclear energy, healthcare, education, and military-technical cooperation.
He said both countries remain committed to translating their engagements into practical and mutually beneficial projects that support shared development goals.
Representing the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Anatoli Bashkin, Director of the Department of Sub-Saharan African States, conveyed Russia's congratulations to the Government and people of Rwanda on the occasion of Liberation Day.
He commended the resilience of the Rwandan people and the country's progress in reconciliation, peace, security, and socio-economic transformation over the past 32 years.
Mr. Bashkin reaffirmed Russia's support for Rwanda's sovereign development path, describing Kigali as an important partner on the African continent.
He further noted that both countries share commitments to international law, peacekeeping cooperation, and engagement on global and regional issues. He also expressed Russia's readiness to expand cooperation and support the implementation of joint projects in nuclear energy, healthcare, education, and military-technical fields, while welcoming Rwanda's participation in the upcoming Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.
The official programme featured cultural performances by the traditional dance troupe Imena mu Nganzo and a live band, showcasing Rwanda's cultural heritage through music, dance, and rhythm.
Following the ceremony, Ambassador Nzabamwita met with members of the Rwandan community in Russia and Belarus, including newly elected RCA community leaders and 51 students graduating from bachelor's and master's programmes.
He reminded Rwandans abroad that their country values and supports them, noting that education opportunities abroad are meant to equip young Rwandans with skills that contribute to national development.
He encouraged students to pursue academic excellence and make full use of opportunities in Russia by learning best practices and applying them to Rwanda's development priorities.
The ambassador also emphasized that liberation is an ongoing struggle against injustice and all forms of backwardness. He urged students to acquire advanced knowledge and modern skills to address contemporary challenges and contribute to Rwanda's security and progress, expressing confidence that Rwanda will continue to prosper and once again become a 'country of milk and honey.'
He further advised Rwandans living in Russia to take care of their health, adapt to the cold climate, engage in sports and extracurricular activities, and maintain discipline in their daily lives.
