Ethiopia and Rwanda have a longstanding historical relation. They share similar progressive views and visions for their peoples. Both are working tirelessly for peace and development of our continent. The official diplomatic relation between the two countries started when Rwanda opened its Embassy in Addis Ababa in September 1978 and consequently, Ethiopia opened its Embassy in Kigali in April 2017. Both countries have established a Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) framework to coordinate their bilateral cooperation on 11^th July 2012. The first and second Ethiopia Rwanda Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) Meetings were held in Kigali in 2012 and in 2017 respectively for coordinating their bilateral cooperation and to follow up different cooperation agreements which were signed across multiple sectors. To this end, Ethiopia is ready to host the 3^rd Joint Ministerial Commission in Addis Ababa. The cooperation agreement is to enhance and evaluate the political, economic and social relations of the two countries.

The bilateral, regional and global cooperation was enhanced following the official visits from both countries.

The Visits are:-

§  The official visit of former Prime Minister H.E Meles Zenawi to Rwanda, Kigali in 1999.

§  The official visit of former Prime Minister H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn to Rwanda, Kigali in April 2017.

§  Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Rwanda in 2019 to take part in the 25^th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide.

§  The official visit of President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E. Paul Kagame, to Addis Ababa Ethiopia in 2015,2018 and different Rwandan higher officials have played significant roles to enhance the relationship.

§  Ethiopia and Rwanda are conducting regular consultations at all levels including between our diplomatic institutions on strategic bilateral, regional, continental and global issues of mutual concerns. Both countries are working to explore ways for expanding economic links on the basis of the Joint Ministerial Commission. There are also people to people relations between the two countries. To this end, Ethiopia and Rwanda are enjoying regional, continental and global cooperation. Both countries are cooperating on COMESSA, NILE BASIN INITIATIVES, and AFRICAN UNION AND UN SECURITY COUNCIL floras. Rwanda is the first great lakes countries to ratify the Comprehensive Framework Agreement (CFA) on 13 June 2013 following Ethiopia.