Rwanda and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed the strength of their bilateral relations, with officials saying occasional differences on certain regional and international matters have not diminished a partnership built on mutual respect, dialogue and shared development goals. Speaking during celebrations marking the official birthday of King Charles III at the British Residence in Kigali on Thursday, June 18, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Usta Kaitesi, said the relationship between Rwanda and the UK continues to be defined by cooperation. ALSO READ: Rwandan fashion shines at UK King’s Birthday event in Kigali “Like any mature partnership, there are occasions when our perspectives on regional and international matters may differ. Such moments do not define our relationship. Rather, they remind us that genuine partnerships are strengthened through honest dialogue, mutual understanding and sustained engagement,” Kaitesi said. The King's Birthday Party brought together government officials, diplomats, development partners, business leaders and members of the diplomatic corps. Kaitesi noted that the two countries have maintained regular engagement in recent months, citing visits to Rwanda by the UK Minister for Africa and the UK Special Envoy to the Great Lakes Region, as well as Rwanda's participation in the UK-Africa Investment Conference. “These exchanges continue to deepen our understanding and reinforce the trust that underpins our bilateral relations,” she said. ALSO READ: Rwandans in UK celebrate Kwibohora 31 The minister highlighted education, social protection, climate resilience, financial sector development and public financial management among the areas where the UK has continued to support Rwanda's national development agenda. She described education as one of the strongest pillars of cooperation between the two countries. Kaitesi also said British investors continue to contribute to Rwanda's economy through sectors including renewable energy, mining, agriculture, hospitality, infrastructure and financial services. She welcomed the establishment of the British Chamber of Commerce in Rwanda, describing it as an important milestone in strengthening trade and investment relations between the two countries. The Minister also commended British High Commissioner Alison Thorpe for supporting Rwanda's creative economy through the Rwanda Fashion Entrepreneurship Programme, which connects local designers with counterparts in the United Kingdom. “This initiative demonstrates that diplomacy is not only about dialogue; it is equally about creating opportunities for people, innovation and culture to flourish,” she said. Speaking at the event, Thorpe said the United Kingdom is increasingly focusing on economic partnerships across Africa, moving beyond traditional donor-recipient relationships. “The UK has a new Africa approach. In plain terms, that means we've moved from being an old-fashioned donor to a genuine investor and partner built on equal relationships and shared growth,” the High Commissioner said. This approach will focus on expanding trade, investment and economic links between the two countries. She said the UK hopes to see more Rwandan products, including tea, coffee and higher-value exports, reaching British markets while encouraging greater British investment in Rwanda. “I want to see trade and investment between our two countries become even stronger and more profitable,” Thorpe said. “We have long-standing partnerships between British and Rwandan institutions, and there are more than 60 collaborations between universities in both countries, covering areas ranging from climate finance to epidemic preparedness.” Beyond economic and development cooperation, Thorpe underscored the importance of cultural and people-to-people connections, which she said help sustain relations beyond government-level engagements. “With artists from both Rwanda and the UK on stage tonight, we are celebrating a partnership that goes beyond policy. It's about music, culture and the human connections that people actually remember,” she said. Although King Charles III’s actual birthday falls on November 14, the United Kingdom also marks a separate official birthday in June, a long-standing royal tradition that allows public celebrations and ceremonial events to take place in more favourable weather conditions.
