The Ambassador of Rwanda to Nepal with residence in New Delhi, India, Ms. Jacqueline MUKANGIRA, has effected an official visit to Nepal on the dates of 03-05 December 2023.

The visit was primarily aimed at signing the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Rwanda and Nepal and inaugurating the Office of the Honorary Consulate of Rwanda in Kathmandu, Nepal.
 
In her remarks during the signing ceremony of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement, the Ambassador of Rwanda to Nepal highlighted the importance of the Agreement and noted the existing excellent relations between Rwanda and Nepal.

“With Nepal and Rwanda being located in Asia and Africa respectively, and really far from one another, this Bilateral Air Services Agreement that we have just signed has created a basis upon which, Airlines of the two countries are able to operate air transport services, which is the fastest mode of transport, that can facilitate the movement of our people, cargo and mail, in the context of strengthening business bonds”, said Ambassador Jacqueline while stressing the role and significance of the signed BASA.

While inaugurating the Office of Rwanda Honorary Consulate in Kathmandu, Ambassador Jacqueline thanked the Chief Guest Mr. Narayan Prakash Saud, Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal for having graced the ceremony and highlighted the strong relationship between Rwanda and Nepal, and the common engagements on international arena:

“…Rwanda and Nepal also share common strategic views on Protection of Civilians. It’s worth recalling that Nepal is a signatory of the Kigali Principles on the Protection of Civilians, having endorsed the Principles on April 15, 2017.

We look forward to continued support at bilateral and multilateral levels.

Rwanda pulls its weight when it comes to global UN peacekeeping operations. Indeed, Rwanda and Nepal are currently ranked among biggest troop contributing countries to the UN Peacekeeping Missions…”.

The Chief Guest recognized the importance of Rwanda and Nepal relations, and emphasized that the Honorary Consulate will strengthen further the warm relations.

He was also joined at the inaugural function by other high level dignitaries including Hon. Indira Rai, Vice Speaker Lower House of the Parliament of Nepal, Hon. Dr. Narayan Khadha, Member of Parliament and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Bharat Raj Paudyl, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Bharat Mani Subedi, Secretary of Civil Aviation, some members of Parliament, Ambassadors, Honorary Consuls, Business community, Academia and Media representatives. About 150 people attended the ceremony.

In his remarks, the Honorary Consul of Rwanda in Kathmandu, Mr. Prajwal Jung Pandey expressed his satisfaction and pride for being Honorary Consul of Rwanda, showing facts of its development trajectory.

The two main activities were preceded by a courtesy call of Ambassador Jacqueline to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal. The discussions between the two dignitaries focused on the existing good relations between Rwanda and Nepal and perspectives of strengthening further the relations.

Another courtesy call was made by Ambassador Jacqueline to the Joint Secretary for Central Asia, West Asia & Africa Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal. Their discussions elaborated on the bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and Nepal, and on good team work in peace keeping operations and on related prospective cooperation framework.

Rwanda and Nepal have established their diplomatic relations in 2017, Ambassador Jacqueline MUKANGIRA being the first representative of Rwanda to Nepal with residence in New Delhi, India.

Since then, relations between the two countries have grown stronger. The Bilateral Air Service Agreement is one the MoUs that will strengthen the relations. Agreements on General Cooperation, on Visa waiver for diplomatic and official passports holders and on defence and security cooperation are also in pipeline.