Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, has arrived in Pretoria, South Africa, for high-level talks aimed at restoring diplomatic relations between Rwanda and South Africa.
He arrived on June 17, 2026, accompanied by a delegation that includes Gisa Teta, the official in charge of African affairs at Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Minister is expected to hold discussions with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, focusing on strengthening diplomatic ties and expanding cooperation in key sectors including trade, tourism, health, education, and security.
South Africa’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation said the meeting is part of ongoing efforts to rebuild and reinforce bilateral relations between the two countries. Rwanda’s Embassy in Pretoria also described the talks as an important step toward normalising relations after years of diplomatic strain.
Relations between Kigali and Pretoria have in recent years been gradually improving following a prolonged period of tensions linked to security concerns, espionage allegations, and the hosting of Rwandan opposition figures in South Africa.
The two ministers are also expected to exchange views on regional security developments, including the ongoing situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Following the talks, Minister Lamola is expected to brief the media on the outcomes and outline the future direction of bilateral cooperation.
