Foreign Affairs minister Louise Mushikiwabo, yesterday, met her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow, with whom they discussed a broad range of issues aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Rwanda and Russia have a long history of cooperation, with diplomatic relations formally established since 1963.

The Embassy of Rwanda in Russia was reopened in 2013, with the appointment of Dr Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya as Resident Ambassador based in Moscow.

Rwanda had temporarily closed its embassy in Moscow in the wake of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

"During our bilateral talks, we discussed priority areas of cooperation between the two countries as well as potential areas that could attract investments. These include agriculture, mining and tourism among others,” said Minister Mushikiwabo in a statement.

The minister also said she was pleased to discuss new areas of cooperation between Rwanda and Russia but also strengthen areas of existing cooperation.

"We are at a particular time in history where all countries have to work together to address global issues. It is in this context that our visit to Russia will help us share our viewpoints with our counterparts on important matters and come up with mutually benefiting approaches to solving pressing problems on the regional and international level,” she said.

Rwanda and Russia have particularly been working closely on global issues during Rwanda’s tenure at the UN Security Council. Both ministers were pleased with the shared views of both countries and pledged continued cooperation and constructive consultations.

The minister also met the Rwandan community living in Moscow.

Mushikiwabo also conveyed to her counterpart an invitation to visit Rwanda soon, which was accepted, the statement said.

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