Kigali: Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sweilem, recently engaged in discussions with Ms. Bernadette Arakoye, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, during an official visit to Rwanda. Accompanied by an official delegation and Egypt’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Hanan Shaheen, the visit focused on exploring mutual cooperation in the water sector between the two nations.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Ms. Arakoye warmly welcomed Dr. Sweilem and his delegation, highlighting the robust ties between Egypt and Rwanda, particularly in water resource management. Dr. Sweilem reciprocated by emphasizing the profound friendship and mutual respect shared between the countries. He affirmed Egypt’s commitment to fostering cooperation with Rwanda, rooted in partnership and understanding, and underscored by the strong relationship between President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.

This relationship has established a solid base for enhancing bilateral ties acro
ss various domains, including sustainable development, water sector collaboration, and climate change resilience. Dr. Sweilem noted that the cooperation between Egypt and Rwanda is a testament to their shared understanding of the strategic importance of dialogue, coordination, and collective action in tackling regional challenges and promoting stability and prosperity in Africa.

During the discussions, the two ministers addressed several topics of mutual interest at both the bilateral and regional levels. Key among these was the activation of the memorandum of understanding signed during President Kagame’s visit to Egypt on September 23, 2025. This memorandum outlines the implementation of development projects tailored to meet Rwanda’s needs in water management.