Rwanda and Cuba Celebrate 49 Years of Diplomatic Relations

By Alex Masereka Joel

Rwanda and Cuba are set to mark the 49th anniversary of diplomatic ties on September 9, 2024. The celebration follows a period of renewed collaboration between the two nations, with a focus on political, economic, and health cooperation.

The recent years, 2023 and 2024, have seen a surge in high-level exchanges between Kigali and Havana. Notably, Rwandan President Paul Kagame visited Cuba for the G-77 Summit in Havana, while Cuba’s Vice-President, Salvador Mesa paid an official visit to Rwanda. The diplomatic engagements have further strengthened bilateral ties, culminating in a series of agreements that demonstrate both nations’ shared commitment to collaboration on multiple fronts.

“First of all, I am very happy to have been invited to the Summit taking place here in Havana Cuba. For me coming to Havana, Cuba is something of a great memory because I was in this country in 1986 running into 1987, that is 36 years ago. I was a young officer serving in a country that had given me a home as well, which was Uganda,” President Kagame said during the summit in Havana.

He added, “I was here to do a course that was given to many Africans so I’m very happy that I am back even if it is a very long time, and to attend this time.”

In September 2023, the governments of Rwanda and Cuba signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Regular Political Consultations, solidifying their cooperation. This agreement, along with a reciprocal visa exemption deal for diplomatic and official passports, marked a significant step forward in the relationship.

Cuba’s Vice-President, Salvador Mesa (L) paid an official visit to Rwanda and met with President Kagame

Health cooperation has also been a central theme in the partnership. The Rwandan Minister of Health’s visit to Cuba, as well as a reciprocal visit by the Cuban Minister of Health to Rwanda, set the stage for ambitious joint projects. These efforts aim to enhance healthcare systems and strengthen the exchange of expertise between the two countries.

In May 2024, further progress was made when both nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Exchanges and Cooperation in Havana, during a visit by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) delegation led by its Vice-President. The visit highlighted ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration, while Cuba’s participation in the inauguration of President Kagame in August reaffirmed the countries’ shared vision for future cooperation.

Rwanda and Cuba have also shown strong support for each other on the international stage. Both countries have worked together through global forums such as the Non-Aligned Movement, the G-77, and the United Nations to advocate for their shared political and economic interests. Rwanda has been a steadfast supporter of Cuba’s ongoing struggle against the U.S. economic, commercial, and financial blockade.

The two nations also share a commitment to gender equality in politics. After Rwanda’s general elections in August 2024, the country reaffirmed its global leadership in women’s parliamentary representation, with 63.75% of its parliament made up of women. Cuba follows closely, with women holding 54.3% of its parliamentary seats. This shared achievement presents new challenges and opportunities for both countries as they work to empower women in leadership.

Cuba’s ambassador to Rwanda, H.E Tania Perez Xiques (L) while presenting her credentials to President Kagame

The Embassy of Cuba has in a statement, extended an invitation to celebrate this significant anniversary and looks forward to continuing its collaboration with Rwanda for the benefit of both nations’ citizens.