On Tuesday, 25 January 2022 in Kigali, EU Ambassadors to Rwanda and the Government of Rwanda met to hold their regular political dialogue (as per Art. 8 of the ACP-EU Cotonou Agreement).

The dialogue was frank and constructive and offered both sides the opportunity to discuss in detail issues of mutual concern and perspectives for addressing these matters in the context of the EU-Rwandan partnership.

Both sides took stock of the full width and breadth of their relationship and discussed a broad range of domestic and international issues, ranging from Covid response, economic development, governance and fundamental freedoms, reconciliation to regional and continental relationships, including the perspectives for further EU-Rwanda cooperation.

The meeting also presented the opportunity for the EU to announce the formal adoption of its 2021-27 country strategy and multi-annual indicative programme for Rwanda, with an initial allocation of €260 million for 4 years until 2024. Cooperation will be focused on the areas of Education, Skills and Jobs for Youth, the Green deal for development and Political and Economic Governance.

The political dialogue was co-chaired by the Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Vincent Biruta, and the Head of Delegation of the European Union to Rwanda, Ambassador Nicola Bellomo. The Rwandan Government was also represented by the Ministers of Health, Finance and Economic Planning, Justice, National Unity and Civic Engagement, Trade and Industry, the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the CEO of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), the DG of the Rwanda Foods and Drugs Authority, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Defence.  On the EU side participated the Ambassadors of Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Netherlands, Slovakia and Sweden.

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