On Tuesday, President Paul Kagame arrived in Riga, Latvia’s capital, marking the first official visit by a Rwandan Head of State to the Baltic region. This historic three-day visit is also the first by any African leader to the Eastern European country.
The visit is expected to strengthen ties between Rwanda and Latvia in key areas such as trade, tourism, and other sectors of mutual interest. Upon arrival, President Kagame was warmly received by Latvia’s President, Edgars Rinkēvičs. The two leaders held private discussions, focusing on enhancing the partnership between their countries.
Prior to their closed-door meeting, both presidents led delegations of officials in discussions aimed at expanding the bilateral relationship, particularly in areas where cooperation can be deepened.
During his visit, President Kagame paid his respects at a monument dedicated to soldiers who sacrificed their lives during Latvia’s War of Independence. He is also scheduled to attend a ceremony unveiling a memorial in honor of the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Latvia were officially established in 2007, with Rwanda appointing its first ambassador to Latvia in January 2022.
Latvia, a Northern European country covering 64,589 square kilometers and with a population of approximately 1.9 million, has a developed economy. In 2019, the country recorded a GDP of €30.5 billion. Edgars Rinkēvičs, Latvia’s 11th president, currently serves as the country’s head of state.
