Dr. Usta Kaitesi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, is in Washington this week, where she represented Rwanda at the U.S.-Rwanda Congressional Prayer Breakfast and hailed the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity as a new milestone in the partnership between the two countries.
The breakfast, held on November 11, 2026, was hosted by Rwandan Ambassador to the United States Mathilde Mukantabana and Congressman Trent Kelly, Chair of the USA-Rwanda Congressional Caucus, according to Rwanda News Agency.
The gathering brought together members of Congress and friends of Rwanda to strengthen ties and build on the partnership between the two nations. It also provided an opportunity to discuss the continued relationship between Rwanda and the United States.
A Story of Resilience Recognized on Capitol Hill
In his remarks, Congressman Trent Kelly reaffirmed his longstanding friendship with Rwanda and emphasized the importance of investing in America's relationships with trusted partners. He highlighted President Kagame's contributions to Rwanda and the continent.
President Kagame is special. He does so many things for not just Rwanda but for all of Africa.
Reflecting on his visit to Rwanda, Congressman Kelly, who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, pointed to the country's rule of law, entrepreneurial spirit and hardworking people. His praise was echoed in regional coverage of the visit, with Agaciro Press reporting on the congressman's remarks after his trip to the country.
Everything that we ask for a partner around the world was going on there.
Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana underscored the role of the U.S.-Rwanda Congressional Caucus in advancing the shared interests of Rwanda and the United States.
May we work together toward a future of peace, prosperity, and shared opportunities.
Kaitesi: From the Ashes of 1994, a Beacon of Progress
Dr. Kaitesi used her remarks to recall the journey Rwanda has traveled since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, a journey she said the United States has accompanied throughout.
Over the past 32 years, since the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, your commitment has accompanied us as we rose from the ashes of that tragedy to emerge as a beacon of hope, innovation, and progress on the African continent.
She added: We are profoundly grateful to all partners here in the USA who have contributed to Rwanda's rebirth.
That gratitude was also voiced in Kinyarwanda-language coverage by Umunota, which reported Kaitesi thanking American partners for their role in Rwanda's reconstruction and the development of its people.
For Rwanda, the Minister of State said, the United States is a vital partner, and in Rwanda, Americans have a reliable and true friend.
A Strategic Partnership for the 21st Century
Dr. Kaitesi said Rwanda has always sought ways to deepen the relationship and elevate it to a strategic partnership, with Congress and the USA-Rwanda Congressional Caucus serving as a vital bridge to take the partnership to the next level.
Through this strategic partnership, we can focus on cutting-edge innovations, space exploration, and increasing investments and trade from both sides.
She said that as the world faces challenges such as terrorism, natural disasters and other crises, a strategic partnership in which both nations stand shoulder to shoulder will help them overcome the challenges of the 21st century.
Together, we can advance our national security interests and work toward a brighter future for humanity.
Washington Accords: A Milestone for Regional Peace
The Minister of State described the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity as another important milestone in the Rwanda-US partnership and an opportunity to advance lasting peace, security and economic integration in the region.
We appreciate the leadership of Congress, and we count on its continued engagement to ensure its full and effective implementation. Our partners in Congress have a critical role to play in helping translate these commitments into lasting peace and prosperity for the people of our region.
She said the Caucus leadership is indispensable in that effort, and that Rwanda looks to the strategic partnership going beyond the bilateral, so the alliance can serve as a force multiplier on the African continent with like-minded countries.
Dr. Kaitesi concluded by expressing deep gratitude to the USA-Rwanda Congressional Caucus and its leadership.
I look forward to welcoming you to Rwanda in the near future.