The move comes a few months after President Paul Kagame and the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged in September 2018 to open embassies in Rwanda and Israel so to boost diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
While at the Opening Ceremony which saw several High-delegates from both nations attending, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Richard Sezibera, observed that the move would heighten the already strong and good relations between the two countries.
“Our Partnership with the state of Israel is multifaceted. We are close in key sectors, such as the sector of Agriculture. Together, we have established a horticulture Centre of excellence, at Mulindi, which aims to promote our farmers. I look forward to the start of operations as soon as possible so as to maximize the benefits of this partnership that will change the lives of many Rwandan farmers,” says Dr. Sezibera.
“The cooperation between our two countries is very good. Now that both of our countries are represented through resident embassies, I am sure that we will be able to take this cooperation to new heights. Today’s official opening of the Israel Embassy in Kigali reflects a mutual understanding; that there is much more that can be done to the benefit of our respective countries,” Dr. Sezibera noted
On his part, the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yuval Rotem, pledged that the new embassy would concentrate on fostering cooperation in areas of agriculture, tourism, and technology and innovation between the two countries.
“I can think of no other country which is as similar to us as Rwanda. We are both small countries, which suffered greatly. I believe it’s safe to say that we both have reasons for the ashes and horrors of our history. We are both countries which decided to put into use our greatest treasure- our people. We are both countries which believe that the future belongs to those who dare to dream; and we are willing to work hard to make those dreams come true. We are both countries that are ready to share our knowledge in progress with others believing that only through cooperation can we strive individually and as a family of nation,” said Yuval Rotem.
“Our Embassy in Rwanda will be placed for planting the seeds that will grow into a striving cooperation between our people; with respect to our current relations, so that they shoot to expanding for the benefit of both our nations and for the benefit of the whole Africa. We look forward to sharing our experience in innovation, technology and creativity with you,” he added.
The Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yuval Rotem, assured his country’s full support in sharing its experience in the areas of agriculture, tourism, innovation and creativity.
“It’s the first time in fifty years that Israel has a representative resident in Kigali. We took our time, but I promise you that we are going to make it up for lost time quickly and efficiently,” assured Rotem.
Among the different areas of cooperation that are expected to flourish from the cooperation is the aviation industry which will see RwandAir launching direct flights to Tel Aviv, and vice-versa. The move will boost tourism, trade and investment opportunities between the two nations. 
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