Qatar Welcomes Rwanda-Belgium Diplomatic Relations Reset.
Qatar has welcomed the decision by Rwanda and Belgium to restore diplomatic relations after an 18-month rupture, describing the move as a positive outcome of dialogue and mutual understanding.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision by Kigali and Brussels to resume diplomatic ties and reopen their respective embassies demonstrated their commitment to overcoming differences through dialogue.
Rwanda and Belgium announced the restoration of their diplomatic relations on Tuesday, September 22, following months of discussions between Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe and Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot.
The two countries said their embassies would be reopened in the near future. While the necessary diplomatic procedures for appointing new ambassadors are being completed, their respective embassies will be temporarily headed by chargés d’affaires, who will work alongside a head of consular affairsand a small team of diplomats. Once the appointment of the new ambassadors is completed, Rwanda’s ambassador to Brussels will also be accredited to the European Union.
Qatar played a role in facilitating the renewed engagement. Doha hosted the first meeting between Nduhungirehe and Prévot in June 2025, after which the two sides held further meetings and contacts that eventually led to the restoration of diplomatic relations. Rwanda and Belgium both expressed their appreciation for Qatar’s role in the process.
Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed the decision by the two countries to restore their relationship.
“We congratulate both friendly countries on this important step, which demonstrates the success of dialogue and the goal of reaching mutual understanding,” Al-Khulaifi said.
He said Qatar viewed the development as clear evidence of the importance of continued dialogue between countries that have significant differences.
“The State of Qatar believes that diplomacy and dialogue conducted with mutual respect are the only viable way to address differences between the two sides, achieve reconciliation and promote cooperation,” he said.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said Kigali and Brussels had demonstrated a constructive approach in addressing their differences and clearing up misunderstandings. It expressed hope that the restoration of diplomatic relations would open new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries and contribute to peace and stability at regional and international levels.
The ministry reiterated Qatar’s position that direct dialogue and diplomatic means are the most appropriate way to resolve differences between states, adding that Doha would continue supporting efforts to bring opposing positions closer together and settle disputes peacefully.
The restoration comes 18 months after Rwanda severed diplomatic relations with Belgium in March 2025 following disagreements linked to Belgium’s position on the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rwanda had accused Belgium of taking a one-sided position on the conflict and of seeking to exert international pressure on Kigali. Belgium and Rwanda subsequently maintained opposing positions on several aspects of the regional crisis.
The latest agreement followed a series of meetings and informal contacts between Nduhungirehe and Prévot, during which the two ministers addressed differences and misunderstandings in what their joint statement described as a constructive spirit. They agreed that open, candid and transparent dialogue, non-interference, mutual respect and constructive engagement would guide their future relations.
Nduhungirehe described the restoration of relations as the beginning of a new chapter built through constructive dialogue and mutual respect.
On eastern DR Congo, he said sustainable peace would require respect for the territorial integrity of countries in the region, the neutralisation of the FDLR and addressing the root causes of the conflict between the government of DR Congo and AFC/M23.
Prévot said the restoration followed months of discussions with Nduhungirehe, during which both sides openly presented their differences and positions while maintaining mutual respect.
The two governments have agreed to continue engaging through dialogue despite differences that remain on some bilateral and international issues.
Qatar said it hopes the renewed relationship will broaden cooperation between Rwanda and Belgium while contributing to peace and stability in the Great Lakes region and internationally.
