Rwanda and Brazil have agreed to strengthen cooperation in diplomacy, trade, tourism and education as the two countries seek to deepen ties built over more than four decades of relations.
The commitment was underscored Thursday during a meeting between the Speaker of Rwanda’s Chamber of Deputies, Gertrude Kazarwa, and Brazil’s ambassador to Rwanda, Irene Vida Gala, according to officials.
The talks focused on enhancing collaboration between the two countries’ parliaments, promoting environmental protection, expanding trade and boosting tourism, including through Rwanda’s Visit Rwanda campaign. Officials said both sides see stronger legislative cooperation as a way to support broader bilateral initiatives.
Kazarwa told reporters the partnership with Brazil presents opportunities for economic growth and development, particularly in investment and education. She said the discussions were aimed at encouraging more Brazilians to visit and invest in Rwanda, despite the currently small Brazilian community in the country.
Brazil’s ambassador said her country is preparing to host Rwandan students under a joint education cooperation program expected to be launched in the near future. The initiative is intended to expand academic exchange and skills development between the two nations.
Sports cooperation was also highlighted, with Rwandan officials pointing to Brazil’s global reputation in athletics as an area where experience-sharing could help promote sports development and people-to-people exchanges.
Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Brazil were established in 1981, and the two countries have since signed several bilateral agreements. In 2019, they concluded a Bilateral Air Service Agreement, aimed at facilitating air transport and improving connectivity.
Earlier, in 2011, Rwanda and Brazil signed a cooperation agreement focused on food security. Brazil is among the world’s largest producers of agricultural commodities, including coffee, soybeans, sugarcane and oranges.
Trade ties have expanded in recent years. Since 2022, Rwanda has imported wheat from Brazil after supplies from Ukraine declined, and it also imports sugar and other agricultural products from the South American nation.
Officials from both countries said they expect the renewed engagement to translate into increased investment, trade and exchanges in the coming years.
