This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Jean Patrick  Nduhungirehe, following bilateral talks with Russia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov, held in Cairo, Egypt, on the sidelines of the Second Russia–Africa Ministerial Conference.

Minister Nduhungirehe said the conference builds on strong foundations laid during previous high-level engagements, including the First Russia–Africa Ministerial Conference held in Sochi in November 2024 and the Second Russia–Africa Summit convened in St. Petersburg in July 2023.

“This Russia–Africa Ministerial Conference builds on the strong foundations laid at the first Ministerial Conference in Sochi in November 2024 and at the Second Russia–Africa Summit held in St. Petersburg in July 2023,” he said.

At the multilateral level, Minister Nduhungirehe emphasized that Rwanda values Russia’s continued support for a more just and representative international system.

“At the multilateral level, we value Russia’s consistent support for a more just and representative international system,” he noted.

The Minister also addressed ongoing security challenges on the African continent, pointing out that one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063, known as “Silencing the Guns,” has yet to become a reality.

“We note that one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063, Silencing the Guns, is yet to be a reality. We believe it is high time for African countries and the African Union to reflect on the root causes of these conflicts in order to provide sustainable solutions,” he said.

The two-day conference, which began on Saturday, December 20, brought together ministers from more than 50 African countries, along with representatives of international organizations. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in key areas such as technology transfer, capacity building, skills development, education, and other sectors critical to sustainable development in both Africa and Russia.

Minister Nduhungirehe recalled that Rwanda and Russia signed an agreement in Sochi on October 24, 2019, to establish a Nuclear Science and Technology Center in Rwanda.

He noted that a Joint Commission has since been established to oversee the implementation of the project, including plans to develop a small nuclear power facility.

“A joint commission was set up to follow up on the project to establish a small nuclear power plant in Rwanda. This cooperation also extends to other areas, including health and education,” he said.

The planned center is expected to support research into the peaceful and safe use of nuclear energy, environmental protection, capacity building for skilled professionals, and the transfer of advanced technology.