Rwanda Celebrates 31st Liberation Day in Kathmandu

Kathmandu: The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda to Nepal, with residence in New Delhi, and the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Rwanda in Kathmandu, hosted the celebration of the 31st anniversary of Rwanda Liberation Day on July 11, 2025, in Kathmandu.

The event brought together 115 dignitaries, including Senior Government Officials, among others, the Minister of Health and Population, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Joint Secretary in charge of the Central Asia, West Asia & Africa Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, 12 Members of Parliament; Members of the Diplomatic Corps; Representatives from the Business Community, Academia, and Media. Dev Raj Ghimire, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nepal, graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

In his remarks, Prajwal Jung Pandey, Honorary Consul of Rwanda in Kathmandu, expressed sincere gratitude to the guests for their presence and solidarity with Rwanda. He underscored the strength of Rwanda–Nepal relations, noting shared values and deepening cooperation, exemplified by the recent signing of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement.

Speaking on behalf of the Honorary Consular Corps, the Dean highlighted the importance of Rwanda’s growing diplomatic and economic engagements globally, including with Nepal. He reaffirmed the Corps’ continued support in fostering stronger bilateral and people-to-people relations between the two countries.

Addressing the audience, Ram Kaji Khadka, Joint Secretary in charge of the Central Asia, West Asia & Africa Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, congratulated the Government and people of Rwanda on the 31st anniversary of Liberation Day, praised Rwanda’s current developments and bilateral relations between Rwanda and Nepal. He reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

In her remarks, Jacqueline Mukangira, Ambassador of Rwanda to Nepal with residence in New Delhi, hailed the excellent bilateral relations between Rwanda and Nepal and reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to further deepening cooperation and elevating the partnership to greater heights.

She underscored the significance of Liberation Day as a milestone marking the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and the beginning of Rwanda’s journey toward unity, reconciliation, and sustainable development.

The Ambassador outlined Rwanda’s recovery process across three key clusters: social, economic, as well as governance and justice. She also showcased Rwanda’s investment and tourism opportunities, encouraging the audience to visit and invest in the country.

Dev Raj Ghimire commended Rwanda’s transformation from tragedy to progress. He reflected on the country’s painful history, particularly the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and praised the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) for ending the genocide and restoring peace. He further lauded Rwanda’s achievements in reconciliation, governance, gender equality, and economic growth, noting its global recognition in peacekeeping and inclusive leadership.

Rwanda and Nepal established diplomatic relations in 2021, with Ambassador Jacqueline Mukangira appointed as the first Rwandan representative to Nepal. Since then, bilateral ties have steadily strengthened. A Bilateral Air Services Agreement has been signed, and some other cooperation agreements have been submitted for consideration.