President Paul Kagame on Wednesday received the credentials of the newly appointed ambassadors of New Zealand and Oman formally accrediting them to represent their countries in Rwanda.
The ambassadors are Olivia Charlotte Owen of New Zealand and Nasra Bint Salim Bin Mohammed Al-Hashmi of Oman. Earlier in the day, they presented copies of their credentials to Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr. Usta Kaitesi before the official ceremony at Village Urugwiro.
According to the Office of the President, the accreditation marks the beginning of their diplomatic missions in Rwanda.
Owen, who is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was approved by Rwanda’s Cabinet in January 2026 to serve as New Zealand’s ambassador to Rwanda.
Rwanda and New Zealand established diplomatic relations on April 17, 2012, and have since maintained cooperation through political consultations and engagement within the Commonwealth.
The two countries are seeking to expand collaboration in areas including agriculture, renewable energy, environmental conservation and tourism.
Meanwhile, Al-Hashmi, who is based in Nairobi, was appointed Oman’s ambassador to Kenya in March 2026 and is also accredited to Rwanda, Uganda and Malawi. She also serves as Oman’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi.
Her appointment comes as Rwanda and Oman continue to expand cooperation in diplomacy, aviation, trade and technology.
The two countries strengthened their ties earlier this year through agreements covering civil aviation, transport, infrastructure, technology and innovation. On July 21, SalamAir launched direct flights between Muscat and Kigali, operating twice a week, a development expected to facilitate trade, tourism and business travel between the two countries.
RwandAir has also announced plans to introduce flights to Oman as it continues expanding its international route network.
The presentation of credentials formally authorizes the ambassadors to represent their governments in Rwanda and marks the start of their official diplomatic engagements with the country.
