Islamabad (April 22, 2025) - Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani held an important meeting with Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Jean Patrick in Islamabad on Monday, where they engaged in detailed discussions on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

Gillani Emphasizes Relations with Rwanda

During the meeting, the Chairman Senate particularly emphasized that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Rwanda. He stated that Pakistan has shared a draft Memorandum of Understanding for strategic partnership with the East African Community, in which Rwanda's support holds significant importance.

Highlighting recent progress as key milestones, Gillani remarked, "The establishment of the Pakistani Resident Mission in Kigali in 2021 and the inauguration of Rwanda's High Commission in Islamabad in 2024 represent a new dimension in relations between our two countries."

Technology and Identity System Cooperation Offered

The Chairman Senate offered Rwanda NADRA's services, explaining that Pakistan's National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has successfully completed digitalization projects for identity documents in Nigeria, Sudan, Kenya, and Somalia. He extended an offer to provide Rwanda with similar modern technological facilities.

Progress in Defense Cooperation

Regarding defense cooperation, Gillani mentioned that a Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation was signed in January 2023, following which Rwanda's Chief of Defense Staff visited Pakistan in 2024, and Rwanda's Air Chief visited in February 2025. Furthermore, the first round of staff talks between the armed forces of both countries was also held in January 2025.

Vast Potential for Trade Partnership

On economic relations, the Chairman Senate highlighted that Pakistan is currently the largest importer of Rwandan tea and is now exploring the possibility of importing coffee, avocados, lentils, and beans. He further elaborated that Pakistan's quality rice, textiles, surgical instruments, pharmaceutical products, and world-class footballs—which is Rwanda's most popular sport—could find their place in the Rwandan market.

Exchange of Educational and Training Programs

Discussing cooperation in the educational sector, Gillani mentioned that Rwandan diplomats are receiving training at the Foreign Service Academy in Islamabad, with 11 diplomats having benefited from this program so far. Additionally, two Rwandan candidates are currently undergoing training at Pakistan Railway Academy, Walton Lahore, under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Program. He further said that training facilities could also be provided to Rwanda in banking and postal sectors.

Commitment to Promoting Parliamentary Contacts

The Chairman Senate also extended an invitation to his counterpart in the Rwandan Senate to visit Pakistan, stating that parliamentary diplomacy could further strengthen people-to-people contacts. He informed that a friendship group has been established in Pakistan's Senate with Rwanda, while the establishment of a Pakistan-Rwanda Friendship Group by the Rwandan Senate is also a commendable step.

Rwandan Foreign Minister's Response

Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Jean Patrick, agreeing with the Chairman Senate's views, stated, "Our friendly relations with Pakistan are a source of pride for us, and we wish to further expand bilateral cooperation in various fields." He appreciated Pakistan's hospitality and efforts to promote mutual interests, assuring that Rwanda would further enhance high-level contacts and parliamentary exchanges with Pakistan in the future.

This meeting is considered an important development in relations between the two countries, which could pave the way for extensive cooperation in political, economic, and cultural fields in the coming years.