Rwanda has officially welcomed four new ambassadors who presented their credentials to President Paul Kagame on Monday, September 8, marking the start of a renewed phase in Kigali’s diplomatic relations with Brazil, Denmark, France, and Egypt.
The newly accredited envoys are Irene Vida Gala of Brazil, Casper Stenger Jensen of Denmark, Aurélie Royet-Gounin of France, and Hanan AbdelAziz Elsaid Shahin of Egypt.
Their appointments come at a time when Rwanda is steadily expanding its network of partnerships in trade, justice, education, and climate action.
Brazil’s Ambassador Irene Vida Gala emphasized the broad agenda that unites her country and Rwanda, highlighting agriculture, social policy, and education as key areas of collaboration.
She expressed optimism about expanding student exchange programs, giving Rwandan students opportunities to study in Brazilian universities.
She also underlined Brazil’s commitment to promoting the “Visit Rwanda” brand through its globally renowned football teams, saying that associating Rwanda with Brazilian soccer would strengthen cultural bonds.
“Brazil has bigger soccer teams, and maybe we can share a jersey with Rwanda. Using soccer as soft power, we can bring our peoples closer together,” she remarked.
Aurélie Royet-Gounin, the new French envoy, reaffirmed her country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Rwanda while advancing justice for crimes committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
She pointed out that France continues to pursue genocide fugitives and will not relent in bringing perpetrators to justice. Beyond accountability, she pledged to enhance cooperation in defense, health, and vocational training.
“We also have a strong attachment to peace and security in the region, and we will work with our Rwandan counterparts to ensure security is restored to all countries,” she said. Royet-Gounin succeeds Ambassador Antoine Anfré, whose mission in Kigali concluded in July 2025.
Denmark’s Ambassador Casper Stenger Jensen, who recently became the first resident Danish envoy in Kigali following the embassy’s opening in August, said relations between the two nations are entering a new chapter.
Rwanda and Denmark signed a landmark agreement earlier this year to address climate change and environmental protection, laying the groundwork for deeper collaboration.
“We will explore new areas of cooperation, including ways to harness investments and expand mutual trade,” Jensen noted, adding that the embassy’s establishment will provide a stronger platform to consolidate bilateral ties.
While Ambassador Hanan AbdelAziz Elsaid Shahin of Egypt did not address the press in detail, her accreditation signals the continuation of long-standing ties between Cairo and Kigali, particularly in fields such as trade, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation.
The arrival of the four ambassadors reflects Rwanda’s growing role as a hub for international partnerships, with each envoy bringing specific priorities that align with Rwanda’s development ambitions.
From climate resilience and education to justice and cultural diplomacy, the new envoys underscored their readiness to build on existing frameworks while opening new areas of collaboration.
As Rwanda consolidates its place in global cooperation networks, the newly accredited envoys are expected to deepen partnerships that not only benefit bilateral relations but also advance shared solutions to challenges of security, sustainability, and prosperity.
