The agreements were finalized on November 13 during the 2nd Joint Commission meeting between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda and Djibouti. The signing was conducted by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, and his Djiboutian counterpart, Abdoulkader Houssein Omar.

The agreements cover various sectors, including sports, health, and family development, highlighting both countries’ commitment to finding sustainable ways to support mutual growth. The Joint Commission serves as a platform to monitor the implementation of existing agreements while exploring new opportunities to enhance cooperation.

Rwanda and Djibouti share a longstanding and friendly relationship. In May last year, the Heads of State of both countries met to discuss expanding collaboration in areas such as agriculture, tourism, diplomatic training, air transport, investment, technology, and immigration management.

In addition to diplomatic and economic collaboration, the two countries have exchanged land for investment purposes. Djibouti allocated 20 hectares to Rwanda in 2013 and another 20 hectares in 2017 for commercial and investment projects. In return, Rwanda provided Djibouti with 10 hectares in the Masoro Industrial Zone in Gasabo District in 2016.

In 2021, Djibouti’s Ports and Free Zones Authority (DPFZA) partnered with Prime Economic Zone (PEZ) to develop the land provided by Rwanda, further expanding investment opportunities. DPFZA Chairman Omar Hadi Aboubaker noted that this initiative is expected to boost economic activities and strengthen business ties between the two nations.

This latest round of agreements underscores the continued commitment of Rwanda and Djibouti to work together, building on their history of cooperation and shared development goals.