By Dolapo Aina
An agreement on Permanent Joint/Ministerial Commission between the two countries of Nigeria and Rwanda was signed this week. The agreement establishing a Joint Permanent Commission between Nigeria and Rwanda was signed on Tuesday, 28 September, 2021 at the head-quarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda in Kigali.
In attendance to sign the permanent joint/ministerial commission agreement on behalf of both countries, were Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada and his Rwandan counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Vincent Biruta. Other officials from the Nigerian delegation who accompanied Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, were from Nigeria’s High Commission in Rwanda led by Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Rwanda; Ambassador Aishatu Aliyu Musa were present.
Presently, Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives which can also be found on her website are: promotion and protection of Nigeria’s national interests; representing and protecting the interests of the Federal Republic of Nigeria , Nigerian citizens and legal entities abroad; promotion of African integration and support for African unity; promotion of international cooperation for the consolidation of universal peace and mutual respect among nations and elimination of discrimination in all its manifestation; respect for international law and treaty l as seeking settlement of internal dispute by negotiation, mediation, conciliations, arbitration and adjudication; and promotion of a just world economic order.

On the other hand, Rwanda’s foreign policy is focused on two major pillars. Quoting verbatim the foreign affairs website; “The first being to contribute to attainment of peace, security and stability in Rwanda, the regions, the continent and globally by establishing and maintaining good relations with all countries. The second pillar is to contribute to wealth creation through development cooperation, investment and tourism promotion, transfer of knowledge and technology, equitable world trade and regional integration.” Rwanda’s foreign policy is inspired by values and principles such as: “Promotion and protection of the country’s independence and sovereignty; mutual respect between states; equality and complementarity of sovereign interests; search for solutions to national problems especially developmental problems; cooperation with other countries in the elaboration and respect of international law.”
The relations between Nigeria and Rwanda dates back to the early 1960s (1962 to be exact during Rwanda’s independence), meaning the relations between Nigeria and Rwanda started before the establishment of their diplomatic missions. Over the years, the ties have grown stronger and evolved into several sectors, thereby creating cordial and beneficial, warm and bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda.