Rwanda and Ukraine have signed an agreement to waive visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports, aiming to facilitate travel for officials and strengthen bilateral relations. The agreement was signed by Rwandan Foreign Minister Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe and his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The two ministers discussed the current state of bilateral relations and ways to further enhance cooperation between the two countries.
The agreement marks a significant development in the relations between Rwanda and Ukraine, which have been growing steadily over the past three decades. The two countries established diplomatic relations on September 8, 1993. In recent years, the relations have expanded to include cooperation in diplomacy, economy, education, technology, and international organizations. In May 2023, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba made his first working visit to Rwanda, during which the two countries signed a cooperation agreement based on political consultations between their foreign ministries.
The relations between Rwanda and Ukraine have gained momentum in recent years, with Ukraine opening its embassy in Kigali in April 2024. This move was seen as a significant step to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation. In July 2025, Rwanda and Ukraine held their first round of political consultations between their foreign ministries, during which they reviewed the current state of their relations and identified areas for further cooperation, including economy and other areas of mutual interest.
Ukraine views Rwanda as a key partner in Africa, and the two countries have been exploring ways to strengthen cooperation in various fields. In April 2026, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with Rwandan Foreign Minister Amb. Nduhungirehe, during which they discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, including in international organizations, economy, and security. The two ministers also explored opportunities for cooperation in agriculture and investment.
The trade relations between Rwanda and Ukraine have been growing, with bilateral trade in goods and services reaching $2.188 million in 2021. Ukraine mainly exports vegetable oils, livestock products, beverages, and other goods to Rwanda, while Rwanda exports tea and coffee to Ukraine. The two countries have also been cooperating in international organizations, including the United Nations, where they engage on issues of security, peace, and international cooperation.
The visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic passports is expected to facilitate travel between the two countries and strengthen bilateral relations. The agreement was signed on September 23, 2026, by the two foreign ministers, who expressed their commitment to further enhancing cooperation between Rwanda and Ukraine. The two countries have been working to strengthen their relations in various fields, including economy, security, and international cooperation.
The agreement is a significant step in the growing relations between Rwanda and Ukraine, and is expected to contribute to the development of bilateral cooperation in various fields. The two countries have been exploring ways to strengthen their cooperation, including in areas such as trade, investment, and security. The visa exemption agreement is seen as a key step in this process, and is expected to facilitate travel and cooperation between the two countries.
Key points
- Rwanda and Ukraine sign agreement to exempt holders of diplomatic passports from visa requirements
- The agreement aims to facilitate travel for officials and strengthen bilateral relations
- The two countries have been growing their relations in various fields, including economy, security, and international cooperation
