Islamabad, 20–22 April 2025 — Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, had an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and deepening cooperation across key sectors.

During his visit, Minister Nduhungirehe held a bilateral meeting with Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs. They reviewed the state of Rwanda–Pakistan relations and explored avenues to expand trade, investment, and diplomatic collaboration. A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on diplomatic training, reaffirming the shared commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties.

In a joint press stakeout, Minister Nduhungirehe stated:

"There are many things Rwanda can bring to Pakistan. We want to export more of our high-quality tea and explore broader horizons for joint projects."

Minister Nduhungirehe also held high-level constructive discussions with senior Pakistani officials, including:

•    H.E. Yusuf Raza Gilani, Chairman of the Senate, with whom he discussed enhancing inter-parliamentary diplomacy and conveyed greetings from Hon. François Xavier Kalinda, President of Rwanda’s Senate.
    
•    Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, to whom he expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to the Rwandan delegation. Their conversation focused on strengthening bilateral and multilateral partnerships.

•    Hon. Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Commerce, with whom he explored concrete steps to enhance trade and investment cooperation.

•    H.E. Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Defence, to discuss the deepening of defence and security cooperation based on recent high-level exchanges.

•    Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal, Minister of State for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, who briefed him on Pakistan’s climate resilience efforts and discussed opportunities for collaboration in environmental protection and disaster response.

Accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Minister Nduhungirehe participated in a roundtable hosted by the Pakistan Africa Economic Council (PAEC). The session highlighted Rwanda’s dynamic investment landscape and promoted bilateral trade opportunities.

A major highlight of the visit was the official inauguration of the High Commission of Rwanda in Islamabad. Operational since 2024, the mission reflects Rwanda’s growing diplomatic outreach, with 49 missions established across five continents.

To conclude his visit, Minister Nduhungirehe delivered a keynote address at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), titled “Rising Africa: The Diplomatic and Economic Success Story of Rwanda.” He engaged with an audience of diplomats, academics, and students, shedding light on Rwanda’s development journey, foreign policy, and long-term vision.