World Cup co-hosts Mexico and Rwanda mark 50 years of diplomatic ties in Nairobi

World Cup co-hosts Mexico and Rwanda have marked 50 years of diplomatic relations, celebrating the milestone in Nairobi with a renewed commitment to strengthening their long-standing partnership.

The event, held at the Embassy of Mexico in Nairobi, brought together senior diplomats including Mexico’s Ambassador to Kenya, Gisele Fernández Ludlow, her Rwandan counterpart Ernest Rwamucyo, and Kenya’s Ambassador Stella Munyi, representing the host nation.

Kenya’s hosting of the celebrations underscored its role as a regional diplomatic and political hub in East Africa.

The anniversary comes as Mexico counts down to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host alongside the United States and Canada. The global showpiece is expected to draw millions of visitors from across the world to the host countries. Kenya and Rwanda did not qualify for the tournament.

Central to the celebrations was an exhibition curated by the Embassy of Mexico, featuring photographs and historical documents tracing five decades of friendship between Mexico and Rwanda. Among the highlights were the original telegram announcing the establishment of diplomatic relations and the official press communiqué issued on 21 January 1976, marking the beginning of formal ties between the two nations.

Currently, Mexico is accredited to Rwanda through its Embassy in Nairobi and maintains an Honorary Consulate in Kigali. Rwanda, in turn, is accredited to Mexico through its Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Speaking at the event, ambassadors from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in areas including tax transparency, diplomatic engagement, and Africa-focused initiatives—reflecting a shared approach to global governance and multilateral cooperation.

One notable collaboration is a triangular project involving Mexico, Germany, and Rwanda under the “Made in Africa” framework. The initiative promotes African-led digital innovation, particularly the use of drone technologies for climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation. Rwanda serves as both a partner and beneficiary, Germany as a facilitator, and Mexico contributes technical expertise and experience.

The two countries have also strengthened bilateral trade ties. In 2024, Mexico’s largest export to Rwanda—medicaments for therapeutic or prophylactic use—was valued at USD 2.16 million. Rwanda, on the other hand, exported storage containers and leather, plastic, and textile cases worth USD 1.45 million to Mexico.

“This milestone is not merely a measure of time, but a testament to a relationship founded on mutual respect, solidarity, and a shared commitment to peace, development, and constructive cooperation that have characterized relations between our two countries since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1976,” said the Rwandan Ambassador to Kenya, Rwamucyo.

Rwanda further underscored its interest in expanding bilateral cooperation with Mexico across a broad range of sectors, including political consultations, trade and investment, education, innovation, tourism, agriculture, climate action, and South–South cooperation.