Qatar welcomes restoration of Rwanda-Belgium diplomatic ties

Qatar has welcomed the restoration of diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Belgium, describing the development as a victory for dialogue and mutual understanding and urging continued engagement to resolve remaining differences. ALSO READ: Rwanda cuts diplomatic ties with Belgium In a statement on Wednesday, September 23, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the resumption of ties between the two countries announced on Tuesday, September 22, reflected a commitment to addressing disagreements peacefully through diplomacy and constructive dialogue. The foreign ministers of Rwanda and Belgium announced the restoration of diplomatic relations, which will be followed by the reopening of embassies. This ended an 18-month diplomatic break. The two governments will later seek accreditation for ambassadors. Rwanda had severed diplomatic relations with Belgium in March 2025. This followed the suspension of development cooperation with Belgium in February that year, as Kigali accused Brussels of taking sides in the conflict in eastern DR Congo and of undermining Rwanda’s access to development finance. Minister of Foreign Affairs Olivier Nduhungirehe and his Belgian counterpart Maxime Prévot also thanked the Gulf nation for facilitating their first meeting in Doha in June 2025 and said subsequent discussions helped address differences and misunderstandings in a constructive spirit. ALSO READ: Rwanda, Belgium agree to restore diplomatic ties, reopen embassies Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation and Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, congratulated the two countries on the restoration of ties. “We congratulate the two friendly countries on this important step that embodies the triumph of dialogue and the will for understanding,” he said. Al-Khulaifi said Qatar viewed the development as evidence of the importance of maintaining channels of communication when countries face differences. “The State of Qatar believes that diplomacy and sincere dialogue remain the most appropriate path for addressing differences and consolidating stability,” he said. ALSO READ: Kagame warns Belgium against undermining Rwanda’s progress The Qatari foreign ministry said Kigali and Brussels had demonstrated a constructive approach in addressing their differences and clearing up misunderstandings. It further noted that the renewed relations would support greater cooperation between Rwanda and Belgium while contributing to peace and stability at regional and international levels. ALSO READ: “We will not be bullied” - Rwanda suspends dev't cooperation with Belgium Nduhungirehe said the restoration of diplomatic relations should usher in “a new era of constructive dialogue in a spirit of mutual respect.” On eastern DR Congo, he said sustainable peace would require respect for the territorial integrity of countries in the region, the neutralisation of the FDLR and addressing the root causes of the conflict between the government of DR Congo and AFC/M23. The two countries also agreed that non-interference, mutual respect and constructive engagement would guide their future relations. Prévot said the restoration followed months of discussions with Nduhungirehe, during which the two sides addressed differences while maintaining their respective positions.

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Qatar welcomes restoration of Rwanda-Belgium diplomatic ties