During their meeting, His Majesty, King Gustaf acknowledged the difficult and painful period of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and commended Rwanda’s post-Genocide recovery. He highlighted the importance of peacekeeping and security at the core of Government. Ambassador Dr. Gashumba briefed His Majesty King Gustaf on the high importance the government of Rwanda gives to the security of its citizens to ensure peace and stability.

His Majesty asked about Rwanda’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and the country’s recovery plan. Adding on the importance of not overlooking the mental health of healthcare workers during this challenging time.

Ambassador Dr. Gashumba briefed the King on the successful joint and multidisciplinary effort that has led to tremendous progress being made with preventive measures including vaccinations against Covid-19. She mentioned that Rwanda was able to limit huge damages from the pandemic due to the trust between the Rwandan communities, their leaders, and scientists. Adding that all of this was completed with the invaluable support of Rwanda’s good partners.

Ambassador Dr. Gashumba commended the invaluable contribution of partners such us Swedish International Development Agency in upholding higher education in Rwanda including in sciences. An extensive cooperation agreement between several Swedish universities and the University of Rwanda has resulted in the commencement of new programs at the University of Rwanda, exchanges between faculty and-at present-over 100 Rwandan PhD scholars pursuing studies in Sweden.

They also briefly touched on gender equality and beliefs in women capabilities as a similarity between Sweden and Rwanda. Ambassador Dr. Gashumba commended Her Majesty Queen Silvia’s work to safeguard the right of the child to a safe and loving childhood, and work to improve the living conditions for children at risk of becoming victims of violence or sexual abuse. She mentioned the same efforts being made in Rwanda with the establishment of the National Child Development Agency and one stop centers to help in the fight against GBV and women’s and children’s rights.

Ambassador Dr. Gashumba said Rwanda was keen on strengthening its relations with Sweden, especially through trade and investment. The agreement between the government of Rwanda and BioNTech in manufacturing vaccines in Rwanda was cited as an example and the Ambassador informed His Majesty about ongoing discussions to engage the Swedish private Sector in top priorities such as vaccine manufacturing, green growth and trade and investment.

Later in the day, Ambassador Dr. Gashumba met with the Rwandan community from the Stockholm area, who welcomed her to Sweden.

Prior to her posting in Stockholm, Ambassador Dr. Diane Gashumba was Rwanda’s Minister of Health.

The Rwandan Embassy to the Nordic countries is accredited to Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland.