President Paul Kagame on Tuesday met with the European Union’s outgoing ambassador to Rwanda, Belén Calvo Uyarra, as the two sides reviewed progress in cooperation between Kigali and the bloc across key sectors including healthcare, investment, education and peace initiatives.
Calvo Uyarra paid a farewell visit to Kagame at Village Urugwiro after completing her assignment as the EU representative in Rwanda. Discussions focused on the longstanding partnership between Rwanda and the European Union and efforts to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, according to the President’s office.
The talks covered collaboration in vaccine production, support for peacebuilding efforts, critical minerals, environmental protection, investment and education, the statement said.
Calvo Uyarra was appointed EU ambassador to Rwanda in 2022 and officially began her duties in September of that year. During her tenure, she worked to deepen relations between Rwanda and the European Union through cooperation in development, trade, governance and economic growth.
The European Union is among Rwanda’s key international partners, supporting programmes focused on sustainable development, economic transformation, education and improving livelihoods.
In 2023, the EU provided Rwanda with €11 million in support to help address food insecurity and malnutrition. The bloc has also supported infrastructure and innovation projects in Rwanda, including the Rubavu Port on Lake Kivu, Hanga Hub Rubavu, an innovation and technology centre, and BioMasters, a company producing environmentally friendly cooking fuels.
Calvo Uyarra will be replaced by French diplomat Jérémie Blin, who has been appointed as the next EU ambassador to Rwanda and will be based in Kigali.
Blin brings diplomatic experience from the region, having served as France’s ambassador to Burundi and previously worked as chargé d’affaires at the French Embassy in Rwanda.
The leadership change comes as Rwanda and the European Union continue to expand cooperation in areas including sustainable development, investment, health, climate action and regional peace efforts.
