Relations between Rwanda and the United States have been highlighted as a partnership built on cooperation and development opportunities, with several US lawmakers describing Rwanda as one of the countries Washington should continue working with to advance Africa’s development.
The remarks were made during a prayer event bringing together Rwandan representatives and members of the US Congress in Washington on November 10, 2026. The gathering aimed to strengthen relations between the two countries.
Lawmakers who attended the event said their experiences in Rwanda, particularly its governance, institutional performance and the commitment of its people, had convinced them that the country was an important partner.
Representative Trent Kelly, one of the lawmakers who helped organise the event, said Rwanda stood out for its efforts to improve the lives of its citizens and its contribution to Africa’s development.
“Rwanda is a special country, and President Kagame is a special person. He does a lot not only for the benefit of Rwanda but also for the whole of Africa. What we need to do is stand by our great friends around the world. When we have people doing the right things, in the right way and with the right heart, we need to invest in them,” he said.
Kelly added that he would continue to regard Rwanda as a friend of the United States, stressing the importance of sustaining cooperation between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Representative Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the US House Committee on Energy and Commerce, said his visit to Rwanda had given him a different understanding of the country from what he had previously been told.
He said he had witnessed well-functioning institutions, organised governance, respect for the rule of law and a strong work ethic among Rwandans, describing these as qualities other countries could learn from.
“When you go there and see how organised things are, how people work and how laws are respected, all the things we look for in a partner anywhere in the world, I found them there,” Guthrie said.
He added that he recommends Rwanda to anyone seeking to explore the opportunities available in Africa.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United States, Mathilde Mukantabana, commended members of the US Congress for their role in strengthening bilateral relations, noting that their friendship and cooperation were important in advancing shared interests.
Dr Usta Kaitesi, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, also thanked US partners who had supported Rwanda’s journey of rebuilding the country and improving the lives of its people.
“We sincerely thank our partners here in the United States who have played a role in rebuilding our country and our people,” she said.
Rwanda and the United States have maintained cooperation across several sectors, including health, trade, investment, technology, education, energy and security.
In July 2026, President Paul Kagame received a delegation of US lawmakers led by Brett Guthrie, with discussions focusing on expanding cooperation in health, energy and investment.
