Qatar welcomes restoration of Rwanda-Belgium diplomatic relations

Qatar has welcomed the restoration of diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Belgium, describing the move as an important step demonstrating the value of dialogue and mutual understanding.

The development follows an agreement announced on September 22, 2026, by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, and Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Maxime Prévot. The two countries said they would restore diplomatic ties and reopen their respective embassies.

In a statement on Wednesday, September 23, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the resumption of relations reflected Rwanda and Belgium’s commitment to addressing differences through diplomacy and constructive engagement.

Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation and Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, congratulated the two countries on the restoration of ties.

“We congratulate the two friendly countries on this important step that embodies the triumph of dialogue and the will for understanding,” Al-Khulaifi said, according to Qatar’s statement.

He said the development demonstrated the importance of maintaining channels of communication when countries face disagreements, adding that Qatar considers diplomacy and sincere dialogue an appropriate means of addressing differences and promoting stability.

Qatar also welcomed the constructive approach taken by Kigali and Brussels in addressing their disagreements and misunderstandings, saying renewed relations could contribute to stronger cooperation between the two countries and support regional and international peace and stability.

Embassies to reopen

Under the agreement reached by Rwanda and Belgium, the two countries plan to reopen their embassies in the near future. Initially, the missions will be headed by chargé d’affaires ad interim, supported by diplomatic and consular personnel.

The two governments will subsequently seek accreditation for ambassadors. Rwanda’s ambassador to Belgium will also be accredited to the European Union.

The restoration brings an end to an 18-month diplomatic rupture that began in March 2025, when Rwanda severed diplomatic relations with Belgium.

The breakdown followed Rwanda’s suspension of development cooperation with Belgium in February 2025. Kigali accused Brussels of taking sides in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and of undermining Rwanda’s access to development financing.

Qatar's role in restoring ties

Nduhungirehe and Prévot also acknowledged Qatar’s role in facilitating dialogue between the two countries. The ministers held their first meeting in Doha in June 2025, with subsequent discussions helping the two sides address their differences.

The two governments said their future relations would be guided by principles including non-interference, mutual respect and constructive engagement. They also reaffirmed the importance of maintaining open and transparent dialogue despite differences on international issues.

Nduhungirehe said the restoration should usher in “a new era of constructive dialogue in a spirit of mutual respect,” while Prévot said the decision followed months of discussions in which the two sides addressed their differences while maintaining their respective positions.

Eastern DR Congo remains a key issue

The two countries’ diplomatic tensions had been closely linked to disagreements over the conflict in eastern DR Congo.

Nduhungirehe said sustainable peace in the region would require respect for the territorial integrity of countries, the neutralisation of the FDLR and efforts to address the root causes of the conflict involving the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and AFC/M23.