A cabinet meeting that sat on Monday, September 15, chaired by President Paul Kagame approved the accreditation of two new diplomats from Equatorial Guinea and Oman.

Victorino-Nka Obiang Mayé was approved as the Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea with residence in Brazzaville, while Hussain Saif Aziz Al-Harthi was approved as Honorary Consul of Oman.

Rwanda and Equatorial Guinea have strengthened their cooperation in recent years through high-level visits and bilateral agreements. In January 2019, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea paid a working visit to Kigali, during which the two countries signed accords on tourism, air services, and diplomatic consultations.

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For Oman, Rwanda established diplomatic relations with the country in March 1998.

In terms of trade between the two countries, it was estimated to be valued at USD 920,000 to USD 2.3 million in 2017 and 2018 respectively. Petroleum products represent 82 percent of imports from Oman to Rwanda.

The main products exported from Rwanda to Oman in 2018 included vegetables, processed food, and cereals.

Unlike an ambassador, who is a career diplomat with full credentials and immunities, an honorary consul is often a respected individual appointed to represent a foreign country on a part-time basis.

The role typically focuses on practical functions such as assisting nationals of the country, supporting business and cultural ties, and promoting investment opportunities.