Rwanda’s new Ambassador to Israel, Maj Gen (Rtd) Emmanuel Bayingana, has presented his credentials to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, on Monday, October 26, formally taking up his diplomatic role in the country.

Herzog received Bayingana at his residence in Jerusalem, according to the President’s Office.

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"President Herzog highlighted the warm friendship and growing cooperation between Israel and Rwanda in many fields, including innovation, agriculture, development, and education," his office said in a post on X on Monday.

Bayingana’s appointment was proposed by President Paul Kagame on June 10 and later approved by the Senate, paving the way for him to take up the diplomatic post.

He replaces Amb James Gatera, who served as Rwanda’s ambassador to Israel from 2021.

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Rwanda and Israel have cooperation in agriculture, technology, education, trade and investment.

In agriculture, the cooperation includes the Rwanda-Israel Horticulture Centre of Excellence, which supports training, research and improved horticultural practices, as well as the Gabiro Agribusiness Hub, a project expected to transform more than 15,000 hectares in Rwanda’s Eastern Province into an integrated agricultural ecosystem.

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The two countries also cooperate through educational and technical exchanges supported by MASHAV, Israel’s international development cooperation agency.

Their partnership also offers opportunities for collaboration in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, climate resilience and smart agriculture.