Maj Gen Joseph Nzabamwita on Thursday, January 15, presented his letters of credence to Russian President Vladimir Putin, accrediting him as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Rwanda.

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In a ceremony held at the Kremlin, President Putin also received credentials of ambassadors from other African countries.

"Today’s ceremony includes ambassadors from friendly African states - Somalia, Gabon, Senegal, Rwanda, Mauritania, Algeria, Ghana, and Namibia," said the Russian leader.

"Russia is bound to all African countries by genuine relations of partnership, support, and mutual assistance. We remain committed to expanding political, economic, and humanitarian cooperation with the nations of Africa."

Nzabamwita was appointed Rwanda’s ambassador-designate to Russia in December 2024.

He previously served as Presidential Advisor on Security and, before that, as Secretary General of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS).

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Nzabamwita took over from Lt Gen Mushyo Kamanzi, who was the envoy to Russia since 2019.

Diplomatic relations between the two states were established in 1963.

Both countries enjoy good relations through respective resident diplomatic missions at the ambassadorial level.

The bilateral cooperation between the two countries revolves around political, military, education, human resource development, training, and cultural ties.

The two countries also have cooperation in nuclear energy development. Russia offers university scholarships for Rwandan students.