MBOKA NA BISO
JF-Expert Member
- Jan 31, 2025
- 782
- 792
US lawmakers have described Rwanda as a special friend of the United States, saying Washington should continue investing in relations with countries committed to improving the lives of their people and advancing Africa’s development.
They made the remarks during a prayer event bringing together Rwandan representatives and members of the US Congress on November 10, 2026, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
Representative Trent Kelly said Rwanda was an exceptional country and praised President Paul Kagame for his contribution to the country’s development and that of Africa.
“Rwanda is a special country, and President Kagame is a special person. He does a lot not only for the benefit of Rwanda but also for the whole of Africa. What we need to do is stand by our great friends around the world. When we have people doing the right things, in the right way and with the right heart, we need to invest in them,” he said.
Kelly added that he would continue to regard Rwanda as a friend of the United States.
“I am always proud to say that Rwanda is a friend, and that will remain the case,” he said.
His remarks were echoed by other US officials who attended the event, with calls to continue building relations with Rwanda based on its achievements and the shared interests of the two countries.
Representative Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, said visiting Rwanda had changed his previous perception of the country.
He explained that before travelling to Rwanda, much of his impression had been shaped by what he had seen in films. However, his visit allowed him to witness the functioning of institutions, the commitment of citizens and respect for the rule of law, giving him a different understanding of the country.
“When you go there and see how organised things are, how people work and how laws are respected, all the things we look for in a partner anywhere in the world, I found them there,” he said.
Guthrie added that he recommends Rwanda to anyone interested in exploring opportunities in Africa.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United States, Mathilde Mukantabana, thanked members of the US Congress for their continued support in strengthening relations between the two countries. She highlighted the role of both legislatures in advancing their shared interests.
“To the members of Congress joining us this morning, we thank you for your leadership, friendship and continued commitment to strengthening the relationship between our two countries,” she said.
Dr Usta Kaitesi, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said the United States had remained one of Rwanda’s partners throughout its journey of rebuilding and promoting innovation.
“We sincerely thank our partners here in the United States who have played a role in rebuilding our country and our people,” she said.
The event highlighted the commitment of both sides to sustaining a relationship built on cooperation, shared opportunities and the advancement of the interests of their citizens.
They made the remarks during a prayer event bringing together Rwandan representatives and members of the US Congress on November 10, 2026, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
Representative Trent Kelly said Rwanda was an exceptional country and praised President Paul Kagame for his contribution to the country’s development and that of Africa.
“Rwanda is a special country, and President Kagame is a special person. He does a lot not only for the benefit of Rwanda but also for the whole of Africa. What we need to do is stand by our great friends around the world. When we have people doing the right things, in the right way and with the right heart, we need to invest in them,” he said.
Kelly added that he would continue to regard Rwanda as a friend of the United States.
“I am always proud to say that Rwanda is a friend, and that will remain the case,” he said.
His remarks were echoed by other US officials who attended the event, with calls to continue building relations with Rwanda based on its achievements and the shared interests of the two countries.
Representative Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, said visiting Rwanda had changed his previous perception of the country.
He explained that before travelling to Rwanda, much of his impression had been shaped by what he had seen in films. However, his visit allowed him to witness the functioning of institutions, the commitment of citizens and respect for the rule of law, giving him a different understanding of the country.
“When you go there and see how organised things are, how people work and how laws are respected, all the things we look for in a partner anywhere in the world, I found them there,” he said.
Guthrie added that he recommends Rwanda to anyone interested in exploring opportunities in Africa.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United States, Mathilde Mukantabana, thanked members of the US Congress for their continued support in strengthening relations between the two countries. She highlighted the role of both legislatures in advancing their shared interests.
“To the members of Congress joining us this morning, we thank you for your leadership, friendship and continued commitment to strengthening the relationship between our two countries,” she said.
Dr Usta Kaitesi, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said the United States had remained one of Rwanda’s partners throughout its journey of rebuilding and promoting innovation.
“We sincerely thank our partners here in the United States who have played a role in rebuilding our country and our people,” she said.
The event highlighted the commitment of both sides to sustaining a relationship built on cooperation, shared opportunities and the advancement of the interests of their citizens.
