Sheikh Shakhboot visited the memorial on Wednesday 27th October 2021 along with his delegation that accompanied him to Rwanda.

Upon arrival at the memorial, the official laid wreaths to the mass grave where over 250,000 victims are laid to rest. The delegation was also taken through different sections of the memorial and shown a documentary film depicting how Genocide against Tutsi was executed with extreme cruelty.

Sheikh Shakhboot wrote in the memorial’s guest book commending the bravery of Genocide survivors and the good leadership of President Paul Kagame which has transformed Rwandans’ lives.

“We are here to condole with you, restore the dignity and pay homage to victims of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi. We pay tribute and remember everyone who lost life,” he said.

Sheikh Shakhboot thanked Rwanda for leaving the dark past behind to strive for peace and security highlighting that UAE will stand with Rwanda to fight against ethnic divisionism, strive for unity and brotherhood across the world as a legacy inherited from late Sheikh Zayed, the founding father and the principal driving force behind the formation of UAE.

“Remembering these times, challenges us to redouble our efforts to continue working together as partners to change the society and build a prosperous future,” he noted.

During his visit to Rwanda, Sheikh Shakhboot was received by President Paul Kagame on 26th October 2021 with whom they held talks revolving around deepening bilateral ties.

He also met with the Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Charge of East African Community, Prof. Nshuti Manasseh and discussed Rwanda’s investment opportunities in the areas of agriculture, mining, transport and technology among others.

The official recently visited Rwanda’s stand at the ongoing Dubai Expo where he thanked Rwanda’s visionary leadership that made the country a role model on the continent.

Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan was appointed UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in February 2021. He had been serving as his country’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia prior to his new appointment.

Sheikh Shakhboot thanked Rwanda for leaving the dark past behind to strive for peace and security highlighting that UAE will stand with Rwanda to fight against ethnic divisionism.

Sheikh Shakhboot and his delegation was also taken through different sections of the memorial to learn about history of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.

Sheikh Shakhboot writing the the memorial's guest book.

Sheikh Shakhboot after laying wreaths on a mass grave at Kigali Genocide Memorial.