Rwanda’s new Ambassador to France, François Nkulikiyimfura, on Monday, July 25, presented his letters of credence to French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris. 

Nkulikiyimfura was named Ambassador to France by Rwanda's Cabinet on April 09.

His nomination would later be approved by the Senate on April 20. 

He replaces François Ngarambe. 

Previously, Nkulikiyimfura was the Ambassador to the State of Qatar.

Rwanda and France have in the recent past re-established diplomatic and economic ties after decades of acrimonious relations, stemming from previous French administrations’ role in Rwanda’s tragic history, including the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. 

In June last year, Amb. Antoine Anfré was approved by Kigali as France’s new envoy to Rwanda, the first in the role in six years.

The Embassy of Rwanda in France also covers the Republic of Italy, the Principality of Monaco, the Republic of Portugal, and the Kingdom of Spain. 

The Rwandan Embassy in France also ensures the Permanent Representation of Rwanda to the following multilateral bodies: The International Organization of La Francophonie, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the International Cooperation Organization and Development (OECD), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and World Food Program (WFP).

Earlier, on July 19, Amb. Nkulikiyimfura presented letters of credence as Permanent Delegate of Rwanda to UNESCO to the UN agency’s director-general Audrey Azoulay.