Riga, Latvia –President Paul Kagame of Rwanda has embarked on a historic official visit to the Republic of Latvia from October 1 to 3, marking the first time a Rwandan leader has visited the Baltic States, and the first official visit by any African president to Latvia. This significant diplomatic event signals a deepening of ties between the two nations and highlights Rwanda’s expanding international presence.
The visit is set to be punctuated by a deeply symbolic and historic moment — the inauguration of a memorial dedicated to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The memorial, which will be located at Latvia’s National Library, also known as the “Castle of Light,” is the first of its kind to be erected in the Baltic States and Eastern Europe.
This memorial will serve as a reminder of the atrocities committed during one of the darkest chapters in modern history and reinforces Rwanda’s commitment to preserving the memory of the genocide victims while fostering global awareness and unity. The installation of the genocide memorial in Latvia, a region with its own history of significant suffering during the 20th century, also underlines the shared values of resilience, remembrance, and justice.
President Kagame’s visit will involve high-level meetings aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Rwanda and Latvia, with discussions likely to focus on trade, investment, education, and technological cooperation. Both nations have shown interest in expanding collaborations across various sectors, particularly in the areas of digital innovation and education.
Latvia’s role as a member of both the European Union and NATO offers Rwanda a unique partner in navigating global diplomatic platforms, while Rwanda’s position as a fast-developing African nation makes it a valuable ally for Latvia in Africa.
As the visit unfolds, it is expected that this new partnership will open doors for greater collaboration between Rwanda and not only Latvia, but also other countries in Eastern Europe, enhancing Rwanda’s global profile and influence.
This visit is expected to leave a lasting diplomatic and cultural legacy, while strengthening Rwanda’s voice in promoting global awareness of genocide and human rights.
