Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, has praised the longstanding relations between Rwanda and Sweden, highlighting the growing cooperation between the two countries in key sectors including diplomacy, education, trade, technology, and climate action.
He made the remarks on Wednesday, May 28, 2026, while joining the Swedish community in Rwanda during celebrations marking Sweden’s National Day at an event held in Kigali.
The annual celebration, known in Sweden as Sveriges nationaldag, is officially observed every June 6 and commemorates key historical milestones that shaped Sweden’s independence and democratic development.
Addressing guests at the event, Nduhungirehe said Rwanda values its strong partnership with Sweden, which has continued to expand through various development and governance initiatives aimed at improving people’s livelihoods.
Rwanda and Sweden have for years maintained cooperation in areas such as education and research, diplomacy, trade and investment, environmental protection, and innovation.
The two countries also collaborate in promoting good governance and justice, including cooperation in tracking and prosecuting genocide suspects, reflecting their shared commitment to accountability and lasting peace.
Sweden’s National Day commemorates the coronation of King Gustav Vasa in 1523 and the adoption of the country’s Constitution in 1809, both considered defining moments in Sweden’s nationhood and democratic evolution.
Relations between Kigali and Stockholm have continued to strengthen over the years, with Sweden remaining one of Rwanda’s key development partners.
In early 2020, the Swedish Government launched a new development cooperation framework with Rwanda, increasing its support contribution by 40 percent as part of efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation and support sustainable development programmes.
