According to a statement from the President’s Office, Kagame and Amb. Fragoso discussed the strong and productive bilateral relations between Rwanda and Portugal.
Ambassador Fragoso began her assignment in Rwanda with residence in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia after presenting credentials to President Kagame on February 7, 2023.
At the time, she highlighted numerous opportunities including potential for cooperation in the areas of economy, agriculture and education.
Rwanda and Portugal established diplomatic relations on January 12, 1976.
Portugal’s first ambassador to Rwanda, António Baptista Martins, was based in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and officially began his duties in Rwanda on January 25, 1977.
Portugal has also been a significant investor in Rwanda. In 2017, it ranked first among foreign investors, accounting for 23.8% of registered foreign investment, totaling $398 million, followed by the United Kingdom with $203.1 million.
Since 2023, Rwanda’s Ambassador to France, François Nkurikiyimfura, has been overseeing Rwanda’s interests in Portugal.
In a statement dated February 6, 2026, the Permanent Secretary of AFC/M23, Benjamin Mbonimpa reacted to remarks by the Chairperson of the AU Commission condemning a drone operation carried out by the group on the night of January 31 to February 1 at Bangoka Airport in Kisangani, Tshopo Province.
AFC/M23 said the operation targeted a military facility used by Congolese government forces to launch repeated drone attacks against both its positions and civilian populations in areas under its control in North and South Kivu.
According to the movement, for nearly two months, particularly since January 22, 2026 , civilians in Minembwe and the Haut Plateau have faced an escalation of military operations conducted by government forces using between eight and twelve attack drones operated by foreign mercenaries.
It claims these drones bombed densely populated areas including Minembwe, Twangiza, Rwitsankuku, Katogota, Sange, the Port of Kalundu, Masisi, Walikale, Rutshuru, Lubero, Mwenga and Kalehe, as well as civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, schools and churches, resulting in the deaths of many civilians, including women and children.
The AU Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf condemned the Kisangani strike on Friday, warning that attacking infrastructure located in a major city could endanger civilian lives and violate international law.
He further stated that in the absence of evidence proving the airport was being used for military purposes, the action could be considered an attack on civilian infrastructure and classified as terrorism.
In response, AFC/M23 rejected that characterization, stating that the drone-neutralization operation “exclusively targeted military assets,” caused no civilian casualties, and was intended to protect innocent populations while enforcing the ceasefire established under the Doha Agreement.
The group argued that condemning what it describes as a defensive action without prior investigation or requests for contradictory information places the AU Commission in an unbalanced position and raises questions about its impartiality in the peace process it is expected to lead.
AFC/M23 further said that describing an action it claims helped save lives as terrorism represents a dangerous step backward for the African Union, weakens its moral credibility, and departs from its fundamental mandate to protect African peoples.
It also criticized the AU Commission for what it called silence on the use of foreign mercenaries operating attack drones, noting that the African Union Charter prohibits the use of mercenaries.
The movement concluded by strongly condemning what it termed a hasty statement and called on the African Union to adopt an impartial, responsible and fact-based approach, which it said is the only path toward a just and lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Upon her arrival, Vice Admiral Wemyss-Gorman was received by Col Moses Kayigamba, Commander of the RDF Engineer Contingent, who briefed her on the progress of reconstruction activities being carried out in St James and Trelawny Parishes.
Accompanied by Col Moses Kayigamba, the JDF Chief of Defence Staff toured several reconstruction sites where engineers from both forces are rebuilding homes affected by the hurricane.
During the visit, they interacted with beneficiaries, who expressed their gratitude to both forces for the support provided.
Vice Admiral Wemyss-Gorman commended the RDF Engineer Contingent for the commendable work being undertaken in close collaboration with their JDF counterparts, noting that the RDF’s support has a positive impact on the affected communities.
The visit reflects the JDF Chief of Defence Staff’s appreciation for the strong military cooperation and solidarity demonstrated in responding to natural disasters and in supporting communities throughout the recovery and rebuilding process.
Noting that the talks took place in “a positive atmosphere,” Araghchi, heading the Iranian delegation, told reporters after the hours-long talks that the two sides will first hold consultations back in their capitals, and then decide how and when it will be regarding the next round of talks.
Meanwhile, according to a report by Iran’s official news agency IRNA, Araghchi said the Friday talks focused solely on the nuclear issues, and that Tehran did not discuss “any other topics” with Washington.
The Iranian delegation had pointed out in the talks that refraining from threat and pressure is the prerequisite for any dialogue, Araghchi said, adding that Iran expects that this point “definitely be observed to prepare the ground for the talks’ continuation.”
Also, Iran’s state-run IRIB TV, quoting Araghchi as saying, reported that Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi held several meetings with the Iranian and U.S. delegations, helping the two sides exchange their viewpoints.
The “very deep distrust” between Washington and Tehran formed in the past posed “a very big challenge to the negotiations, and we firstly have to overcome the pervading atmosphere of distrust and then, be able to design the framework for a new dialogue capable of safeguarding the Iranian people’s interests,” Araghchi noted.
Following the talks, Al Busaidi, the Omani foreign minister, wrote a statement on social media platform X, calling the talks “very serious” and “useful.”
The discussions helped clarify each side’s position and identify potential areas for progress, he said, adding that the parties “aim to reconvene in due course, with the results to be considered carefully in Tehran and Washington.”
Earlier in the day, IRIB TV reported that the talks ended “for now” in Muscat, and that the two delegations may return home, whereas Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported that Iran rejected a “zero enrichment” demand during the talks.
The two sides centered on the dilution of Iran’s existing uranium stockpile, Mehr reported, adding that the atmosphere of the talks was “more serious” than the previous rounds of talks between the two sides.
So far, the U.S. side has not issued any official statement regarding the talks, but Washington’s subsequent moves have sent a signal somehow contradictory to Tehran’s rhetoric regarding the atmosphere at the negotiation table.
Hours after the conclusion of the talks, Washington announced new sanctions to curb Iran’s oil exports, including targeting 14 vessels, reaffirming Washington’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran.
The latest round of talks came amid heightened regional tensions, especially between Washington and Tehran, featuring a recent U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and Iran’s stepped-up preparations.
The talks have revisited a diplomatic track that collapsed violently last June, leading to U.S. airstrikes on Iran. Past negotiations between the two sides faltered over Washington’s demands for zero uranium enrichment and curbs on missile development and regional proxies, all rejected by Tehran.
The event, held from February 4 to 6 at Messe Berlin, brought together 2,600 exhibitors from 90 countries and attracted trade visitors from more than 150 nations, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s most influential platforms for the fresh fruit and vegetable industry.
Among the Rwandan exhibitors was Zima Healthy Group, a company specialising in value-added, minimally processed agricultural products, including extra virgin avocado and pumpkin seed oils.
Representing the company, Marie-Ange Mukagahima told IGIHE that Fruit Logistica offered a rare opportunity to test new products directly with international buyers.
“This year, we brought our extra virgin oils, along with a new product, a blend of African herbs and oils designed for skin and hair care. People here love it, and we are truly grateful,” she said.
Gahima noted that discussions went beyond Germany, with potential partners expressing interest from markets such as Poland, Israel and Dubai.
“Through this event, we have met potential customers from all over the world. We’ve had very fruitful discussions about cooperation and representing Rwanda in their markets,” she added.
She emphasised that the benefits extend beyond individual firms. “If we manage to secure key clients here, it won’t benefit just Zima. It will benefit the entire value chain, the farmers, distributors and many others,” Gahima said, adding that professional packaging and international-standard labelling were helping position Rwanda as a source of premium, high-end products.
{{New investments positioning Rwanda for future exports}}
Evergreen Holding Limited, through its subsidiaries Pure Harvest Farms Limited and Agribloom Farms Limited, used the fair to showcase upcoming export capacity rather than current volumes.
Represented by Emnet Kejelcha, the company highlighted its large-scale avocado, strawberry and vegetable projects in Bugesera.
“This was an excellent opportunity to present our company, our current production, and what we will be exporting from Rwanda in the near future, within the next five months and beyond,” Kejelcha said.
He explained that strawberries planted in January 2026 are expected to reach export markets by April or May, while avocado orchards will follow after maturation.
Beyond buyers, the company connected with investors, packaging suppliers and agro-input providers.
“By participating in Fruit Logistica 2026, we benefited greatly in supply chain management, customer handling and building connections,” he said.
Kejelcha described Rwanda as a favourable investment destination. “Investing in Rwanda is very rewarding. We benefit from welcoming people, friendly policies, accessible water resources and strong investment incentives,” he noted.
{{Rwanda’s growing visibility on the global stage}}
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, Igor Cesar, said the country’s presence at Fruit Logistica has grown significantly over the past decade.
“Rwanda has been participating for the last 10 years, and this event provides an excellent platform to present our produce internationally,” he said.
This year, more than 15 Rwandan companies were represented, alongside institutions such as NAEB, the Rwanda Development Board and the Rwandan Embassy in Germany.
“Rwanda’s presence is now much stronger. We have multiple stands, including a prominent main one that stands out across the African continent,” Cesar said, adding that Rwanda’s visibility often greets visitors as soon as they enter the exhibition halls.
According to the ambassador, meetings were held with potential investors across the entire fruit and vegetable value chain, signalling growing confidence in Rwanda’s export potential.
At the institutional level, Janet Basiima, Division Manager for Export Market Development and Innovation at NAEB, said Rwanda’s approach to the fair has become increasingly strategic.
“Before arriving, we review registrations, identify potential buyers, schedule appointments and plan targeted meetings in advance,” she said.
Basiima noted tangible outcomes from this year’s participation. “Our companies are pleased with the results. They received clients and secured deals at fair prices,” she said, praising the professionalism of the mainly youth-led delegations.
She added that NAEB remains committed to supporting exporters’ access to international markets.
From the organiser’s perspective, Hauke Plümbeck, Head of Marketing at Fruit Logistica, pointed to Rwanda’s participation as a standout example of coordinated growth.
“The development has been phenomenal. The sector has grown significantly, with an increasing number of exporters, stronger presence in global markets, and growing participation at this trade fair,” he said.
Plümbeck highlighted the collaboration between government institutions, private companies and development partners as a key driver.
“We greatly value the true spirit of cooperation between the government, private sector, and stakeholders in the fresh produce value chains, one of the key factors behind Rwanda’s success at this fair. It continues to evolve in the right direction,” he said.
Rwanda’s participation at Fruit Logistica 2026 comes amid sustained growth in horticultural exports. In late January alone, the country earned over USD 10.85 million from agricultural shipments, while full-year exports in 2025 surpassed USD 893 million.
Under the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), Rwanda aims to raise annual foreign exchange earnings from agriculture and livestock to USD 1.5 billion by 2029, a target officials say events like Fruit Logistica help bring within reach.
Speaking on the second day of the National Umushyikirano Council at the Kigali Convention Centre, Minister Nduhungirehe said that while more than 10 peace agreements have been signed since 2000, including accords in Washington and Doha, and over 20 UN Security Council resolutions adopted, their implementation has been consistently ignored.
“We don’t lack legal instruments. We don’t lack forces on the ground. MONUSCO has been present for more than 26 years. What we lack is political will and good faith,” he said on Friday.
The minister explained that the absence of political will exists at two levels: within the DRC government in Kinshasa, which has repeatedly violated ceasefire agreements, and among the international community, which has failed to hold violators accountable. He highlighted attacks on civilians, including villages of Banyamulenge in South Kivu, and the use of civilian airports to launch strikes as examples of ongoing violations.
“What we lack is political will and good faith […] Everything that is happening on the ground, we have informed the international community. We have informed the UN Security Council. We have informed the mediators,” he added.
The remarks came alongside insights from Rwandan lawyer Gatete Nyiringabo, who highlighted the continued targeting and stigmatisation of Tutsi communities in the DRC. He cited incidents of hate speech and incitement to violence, including statements by a Congolese army spokesperson warning against intermarriage with Tutsi women. Nyiringabo stressed the importance of proactively using international legal instruments to protect rights and counter impunity.
“Even though we might not have so much faith in international instruments, we have to be more proactive to optimise them and make our rights respected,” he said, citing incidents in the DRC where Rwanda often remains silent in the face of attacks or hate speech.
At the forum, Minister Nduhungirehe also reassured Rwandans of the country’s security. Echoing President Paul Kagame’s statements, he emphasised that the ongoing conflict in the DRC is an internal Congolese matter and that Rwanda has not instigated it. He reaffirmed that Rwanda supports the full implementation of peace agreements, the neutralisation of the FDLR militia group, and the restoration of lasting regional stability.
“Rwanda is secure. The country is protected. Rwandans should go about their lives and sleep peacefully. We have put in place defence measures, some of which you have seen intercepting incoming shells, and others. All are designed to protect Rwanda and its people, so that we can continue pursuing our development goals,” he said.
During his talks with Trump over phone, Xi noted that he attaches great importance to China-U.S. relations, saying that over the past year, he and Trump have enjoyed sound communication, and had a successful meeting in Busan, charting the direction and course for China-U.S. relations. This has been welcomed by the people of both countries and the broader international community.
Just as the United States has its concerns, China for its part also has concerns, he said.
China always means what it says and matches its words with actions and results. If the two sides work in the same direction in the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit, we can surely find ways to address each other’s concerns, Xi said.
The Chinese president said that both China and the United States have important items on their agenda this year — China will kick off its 15th Five-Year Plan, and the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence.
China will host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, and the United States, the G20 Summit, he added.
The two sides should follow the common understandings we have reached, enhance dialogue and communication, manage differences properly, and expand practical cooperation, Xi said.
It is always right to do a good thing, however small, and always wrong to do a bad thing, however small, he said, noting that the two sides should make progress step by step to build mutual trust, find the right way to get along, and make 2026 a year where the two major countries advance toward mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.
Xi emphasized that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations. Taiwan is China’s territory, and China must safeguard its own sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will never allow Taiwan to be separated, he said.
The United States must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence, Xi said.
For his part, Trump said that both the United States and China are great countries, and the U.S.-China relationship is by far the most important in the world.
Trump also said he has a great relationship with Xi and a lot of respect for him. Under their leadership, the United States and China are doing well in such fields as economy and trade, he added.
Noting that he wants to see China succeed, Trump said the United States would like to work with China and make more progress in bilateral ties. Trump said that he understands how China feels about the Taiwan question.
He would like the two sides to continue talking to each other and keep the U.S.-China relationship in good shape during his presidency, Trump added.
Xi extended New Year greetings to Putin and the Russian people, stating that Wednesday coincided with the Beginning of Spring on the Chinese lunar calendar, which represents a new start. On the auspicious day, Xi expressed his readiness to work with Putin to chart a new blueprint for bilateral ties.
Putin wished Xi and the Chinese people a happy Spring Festival, vibrant energy and immediate success in all endeavors.
Noting that their two meetings last year steered China-Russia relations into a new phase of development, Xi said the two countries commemorated the 80th anniversary of victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, sustained robust bilateral economic and trade exchanges, elevated people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, and remained committed to building a more just and equitable global governance system.
Highlighting that this year marks the beginning of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period, Xi emphasized that the country will be more proactive in expanding its high-level opening up and will share new development opportunities with countries around the world, including Russia.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination, the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, and the beginning of the China-Russia Years of Education, he said.
Xi said the two countries should ensure that bilateral relations continue to develop along the right track through deeper strategic coordination and more proactive assumption of responsibilities of major countries.
China and Russia should work together to maintain global strategic stability as the international situation has become increasingly turbulent since the beginning of the year, Xi said.
As responsible major countries and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and Russia have the obligation to encourage the international community to uphold fairness and justice, firmly safeguard the victorious outcomes of World War II, and resolutely defend the UN-centered international system and the basic norms of international law, he added.
Expressing full confidence in Russia-China relations, Putin said that both sides should continue to support each other steadfastly in safeguarding their national sovereignty and security, and in achieving economic and social development and prosperity. They should also promote education and cultural exchanges to benefit the two peoples, he added.
Facing a complex and ever-changing international situation, Russia is willing to continue strengthening strategic coordination with China on multilateral platforms such as the UN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, thereby injecting positive energy into international affairs.
Russia will actively support China’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting, he said.
The two heads of state also exchanged in-depth views on international and regional hotspot issues of mutual concern.
He made the intervention on February 6, 2026, during the National Dialogue Council (Umushyikirano), following concerns voiced by popular musician Bruce Melodie, who said artists and digital content creators in Rwanda are unable to fully benefit from their online work.
Bruce Melodie noted that while creators in other countries directly generate significant income from social media platforms, Rwandans face restrictions that even push some to monetize their content through other countries.
He stressed that enabling monetization would help create jobs and reduce unemployment among young people.
In response, President Kagame questioned what was required to resolve the issue so that Rwandan social media users could earn income without having to register under other countries.
The Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, explained that for a country to qualify for social media monetization, platforms assess three key requirements. She revealed that Rwanda currently falls short on one of them: the level of advertising investment.
According to Minister Ingabire, platforms require a minimum advertising spend of between USD 1 million and USD 1.5 million from local advertisers.
She said discussions with the management of major social media platforms have already addressed the other requirements, leaving the need to scale up advertising investment as the main remaining challenge.
“This is something we all need to take on as a shared responsibility,” she said. “Companies must recognise that social media platforms are also effective advertising spaces. We need mobilization to encourage businesses to advertise online.”
President Kagame directed the Ministry of ICT and Innovation to intensify awareness efforts targeting advertisers, enabling Rwandan users to generate income from their digital content.
He delivered the message on February 6, 2026, during the second day of the National Umushyikirano Council underway at the Kigali Convention Centre.
Echoing President Paul Kagame’s statement on February 5, Amb. Nduhungirehe reiterated that the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is an internal Congolese matter and was not caused by Rwanda.
He said DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, who accuses Rwanda of backing the AFC/M23 coalition, abandoned African-led peace initiatives that were intended to restore stability in his country, opting instead to seek mediation beyond the continent.
“He is the one who took the process outside Africa, going to Qatar and Washington to involve those countries in the talks, without even mentioning Paris in France. So claims that Rwanda moved the negotiations outside Africa are simply false,” he said.
Amb. Nduhungirehe noted that despite the signing of a peace agreement in Washington, the coalition of Congolese government forces continued to launch attacks against AFC/M23 positions and civilians, including Banyamulenge communities in Minembwe Commune.
He told participants that Rwanda supports the full implementation of the peace agreements, the dismantling of the FDLR terrorist group, the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures, and the restoration of lasting peace across the region.
The minister further assured Rwandans that while fighting persists in the neighbouring country, Rwanda’s borders and population remain well protected through a range of defence systems.
“Rwanda is secure. The country is protected. Rwandans should go about their lives and sleep peacefully. We have put in place defence measures, some of which you have seen intercepting incoming shells, and others. All are designed to protect Rwanda and its people, so that we can continue pursuing our development goals,” he said.
Rwanda introduced enhanced defence measures following mortar attacks launched by the FDLR, in collaboration with the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), which targeted parts of Musanze District, in March, May, and June 2022.
