Rwanda and Israel signed two agreements Monday to expand cooperation in education, scientific research and international development, reinforcing a partnership that both countries say is increasingly focused on knowledge sharing, innovation and human capital development.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar signed the accords during a ceremony in Jerusalem.
One agreement establishes a framework for cooperation in basic education, information and communication technology, technical and vocational education and training, higher education and scientific research. A second memorandum of understanding links Israel’s international development agency, MASHAV, with the Rwanda Cooperation Initiative to strengthen collaboration on development programs, technical assistance and institutional capacity building.
The agreements build on growing cooperation between the two countries in agriculture, education, technology and skills development, reflecting Rwanda’s efforts to strengthen its knowledge-based economy through international partnerships.
Speaking after the signing, Sa’ar said Rwanda and Israel have developed a relationship rooted in shared experiences of rebuilding after genocide.
“Both our peoples have suffered the worst tragedies,” he said, referring to the Holocaust and the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. “Our nations did not allow tragedy to define our future. Instead, we chose to rebuild.”
Sa’ar said those experiences have shaped cooperation in education, historical remembrance and innovation, adding that investment in people remains central to both countries’ development.
Nduhungirehe said the agreements demonstrate a shared commitment to preparing future generations through education, research and the exchange of expertise.
“Rwanda and Israel share strong ties that go beyond diplomacy,” he said. “What defines us is the resilience of our peoples and our determination to turn adversity into progress, to transform the tragedy of genocide into socio-economic transformation, resilience and innovation.”
He said the agreements are expected to promote academic exchanges, strengthen scientific collaboration and expand opportunities for students, researchers and higher learning institutions in both countries.
During his visit, Nduhungirehe toured Jerusalem’s Old City and visited Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial. He said preserving historical memory remains essential while ensuring that nations are ultimately defined by how they rebuild and invest in the future.
Sa’ar also welcomed the peace agreement signed last month between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, reaffirming Israel’s support for its implementation and expressing hope that continued dialogue would contribute to regional stability.
The agreements mark the latest step in expanding relations between Rwanda and Israel, with both governments placing education, research and innovation at the center of their growing partnership.
