Rwanda and Israel have signed two cooperation agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, with a focus on education, scientific research, innovation, and development cooperation.
The agreements, signed in Jerusalem on Monday, July 6, by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier Nduhungirehe and his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa'ar, mark a step in expanding collaboration between the two countries.
The first agreement is a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in education, covering basic education, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), higher education, and scientific research.
The second is a Memorandum of Understanding on development cooperation between MASHAV, Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation and Rwanda Cooperation Initiative.
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Speaking after the signing ceremony, Nduhungirehe said the agreements demonstrate the two countries&039; shared commitment to exchanging knowledge and strengthening institutional partnerships.
"Today, we signed two memoranda of understanding. The first, between MASHAV and Rwanda Cooperation, reflects our shared commitment to exchanging development experience and home-grown solutions. The second, on education, will strengthen cooperation between institutions in both countries and expand exchanges, training programmes and capacity-building opportunities,” he said.
The minister noted that both delegations also exchanged views on the security situations in their respective regions and reaffirmed the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and international cooperation.
"Today's discussions and agreements reflect the strength of our partnership and our shared ambition to deepen cooperation for mutual benefit. I am confident that this visit will bring new momentum to Rwanda-Israel relations,” Nduhungirehe said.
On his part, Sa’ar said Rwanda and Israel share similar experiences of overcoming adversity through resilience and innovation.
"Israel and Rwanda demonstrate that nations are not measured by their size but by the determination and resilience of their people. Both our countries have turned great challenges into remarkable achievements,” he said.
He noted Rwanda as one of Africa's fastest-growing economies with a strong vision for innovation and development, while Israel has become a global hub for technology, science, and entrepreneurship despite persistent security challenges.
Sa'ar said the agreements signed would strengthen cooperation in agriculture, innovation, education, higher education, and leadership development.
"Looking at the agreements we have signed today, we can see that our partnership is making a real difference by training the next generation of leaders in agriculture, innovation, education, higher education and more,” he said.
The Israeli minister also welcomed the Washington Accords between Rwanda and DR Congo, expressing Israel's support for its full implementation.
During the visit to Israel, Nduhungirehe toured Jerusalem's Old City and the Western Wall before visiting Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to Holocaust victims.
He noted that the visit offered an opportunity to reflect on the histories of both countries and the devastating consequences of genocide.
The minister said the visit to Yad Vashem reinforced the historical bond between Rwanda and Israel, whose people have endured the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the Holocaust and yet chosen a path of resilience and renewal.
"Rwanda and Israel share ties that go beyond diplomacy. Both our countries are marked by painful histories and profound tragedies. But what defines us today is the resilience of our people and our determination to transform adversity into progress, to turn the tragedy of genocide into socio-economic transformation, resilience, and innovation.”
He added that the two nations also share an understanding of the importance of safeguarding peace, security, and national resilience in the face of existential challenges.