Canada-Rwanda relations
Bilateral relations
Canada established relations with Rwanda in 1963. Canada has a High Commission in Kigali. In Canada, Rwanda is represented by a High Commission in Ottawa.
Canada and Rwanda collaborate on a wide range of issues, including environmental protection, gender equality, peacekeeping, trade and investment promotion, and cooperation within multilateral organizations, such as La Francophonie and the Commonwealth.
Canada notes Rwanda’s national reconciliation process and the progress it has made with respect to development. Our ongoing interests in Rwanda relate to promoting the importance of a pluralist society, respect for human rights, and seeking concrete solutions to challenges in the region related to peace and security.
Canada supported the creation of the Rwanda National University in the city of Butare. Following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Canada supported efforts to re-establish Rwanda’s social institutions and infrastructure. In 2004, the Canadian Parliament declared April 7 as a Day of Remembrance of the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. In 2019, the Canadian Parliament unanimously adopted a motion to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the genocide and to formally designate April 7 as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. In honour of the victims and the survivors on the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the Peace Tower lit up in the colours of the Rwandan flag.
Trade relations
In 2023, two-way merchandise trade amounted to $13.4 million, consisting of $7.2 million in exports from Canada, and $3.7 million in imports from Rwanda.
Canadian companies’ activities in Rwanda are concentrated in infrastructure, engineering services, mining, and energy sectors. Top Canadian merchandise exports to Rwanda include wheat, motor vehicles and aircraft parts. Top Canadian merchandise imports from Rwanda consist mainly of coffee, condiments and spices.
Related links
Development
In 2022-23, Canada provided $44.82 million in international assistance to Rwanda, channeled mostly through multilateral organizations and Canadian organizations that provide support in areas such as access to education, health, and gender equality.
Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Rwanda work closely in multilateral fora, such as:
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