Rwanda and the United Mexican States have marked 50 years of diplomatic relations, celebrating a partnership that has delivered cooperation across diplomacy, trade, investment, tourism and multilateral engagement.
The anniversary was commemorated on Wednesday, January 28, at the Mexican embassy accredited to Rwanda, based in Nairobi, Kenya.
The event brought together representatives from both governments and the private sector, who were presented with photographs and archival documents tracing the origins and evolution of bilateral relations. Among the exhibits was a historic telegram dated January 21, 1976, announcing the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Mexico’s ambassador to Rwanda, Gisele Fernández Ludlow, said that despite the geographical distance, Rwanda and Mexico have built a strong and enduring relationship grounded in shared interests and values.
She noted that the two countries have expanded cooperation in areas such as good governance, tax transparency, financial integrity and diplomacy, particularly in advancing Africa’s development agenda and supporting a rules-based international order.
Fernández Ludlow added that the 50th anniversary is not only a moment to reflect on past achievements, but also an opportunity to reaffirm commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in the years ahead.
Speaking on behalf of Rwanda, Ambassador Ernest Rwamucyo, Rwanda’s envoy to Kenya, praised the longstanding ties between Kigali and Mexico, describing them as relations founded on mutual respect and shared principles.
He said that over the past five decades, Rwanda and Mexico have worked closely in multilateral forums, guided by a common commitment to dialogue, international cooperation, respect for international law and the promotion of lasting peace.
Rwamucyo added that Rwanda is keen to further expand cooperation with Mexico in political dialogue, trade and investment, education, innovation, agriculture, environmental protection, climate action and South-South cooperation.
Mexico is currently represented in Rwanda through its embassy in Nairobi and an honorary consulate in Kigali, established in 2019, which plays a key role in strengthening people-to-people ties.
Rwanda, for its part, is represented in Mexico through its embassy in Washington, D.C., in the United States.
Aimable Rumongi, Mexico’s honorary consul in Rwanda, said the establishment of the honorary consulate in Kigali has significantly contributed to closer ties between citizens of both countries and opened up new opportunities for cooperation.
