These were the words of the Ambassador of Ukraine to Rwanda, Viacheslav Yatsiuk, as he addressed the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, during the official ceremony of presenting his Letters of Credence, which took place on 21 May 2025.
“Despite the geographical distance between Ukraine and Rwanda, our countries have a lot in common. Like Rwanda, Ukraine has endured numerous trials throughout its history and has often faced injustice from the outside world. This is why Ukraine deeply understands the pain and sacrifices endured by Rwanda. This is why Ukraine greatly values the impressive achievements Rwanda has made in social and economic development over the past thirty years. And this is also why Ukraine counts on Rwanda’s solidarity and support in its fight for freedom and independence, in its resistance against the aggression by its former colonial power,” the Ukrainian diplomat emphasized in his address to the President of Rwanda.
Viacheslav Yatsiuk highlighted the importance of explaining to other African countries the significance of Ukraine’s defence efforts in the context of their own interests. “Upholding a world founded on the rule of law and justice – not merely brute force – is equally in the interest of both European and African nations,” the Ambassador of Ukraine stressed.
The Ukrainian diplomat also affirmed Ukraine’s commitment to advancing its relations with Rwanda to a new and higher level. “IT, agriculture, high-tech engineering, fertilizer production – in these and many other sectors, there are significant opportunities to build a meaningful Ukrainian-Rwandan partnership,” noted Viacheslav Yatsiuk.
In response, Paul Kagame confirmed that Rwanda is closely following the developments in the Russian-Ukrainian war and supports its swift end and the restoration of peace in Europe. He also expressed support for Ukraine’s aspirations to strengthen bilateral relations with Rwanda. “Rwanda highly appreciates Ukraine’s decision to appoint its first Ambassador to Rwanda with residence in Kigali and intends to fully leverage this step to deepen Rwandan-Ukrainian relations,” President Kagame emphasized.