Pakistan’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Naeem Khan, has announced his country’s desire to further strengthen cooperation with Rwanda in the areas of culture, trade, the arts, and tourism, with the aim of enhancing bilateral relations.
Ambassador Khan made these remarks during a press briefing held on the evening of Monday, October 5, 2026, in preparation for a fashion and clothing showcase featuring Rwandan and Pakistani designs, scheduled for October 9, 2026.
Rwanda and Pakistan have advantage to organise a fashion and clothing showcase
Ambassador Khan noted that culture is a powerful tool for bringing the people of both nations closer together and strengthening their relationship.
He said: “The economies of Rwanda and Pakistan are complementary. Rwanda possesses resources that we do not have, and we have resources that you may not have. That is why there are significant opportunities to advance our economic and cultural ties.”
He added that this partnership could be further developed by promoting tourism focused on culture and fashion.
“We need to do more to raise awareness about Pakistan in Rwanda and about Rwanda in Pakistan, as there is a gap in mutual visibility between the two countries. We must educate people and show them the reality on the ground through culture, entertainment, and fashion”, he highlighted.
Ambassador Khan also noted that Pakistan could serve as a market for Rwanda, given its large population.
He added that Rwanda could also benefit from Pakistani products, technology, medical equipment, sports, and education.
Fashion designers see new opportunities
Maliron Ange, a Rwandan fashion designer, stated that the opportunity to participate in this exhibition is a significant boost for local designers, as it provides a platform to showcase and promote their work.
She said: “As fashion designers, we are very happy; this opportunity gives us a stage to display our designs, as there are times when one creates something but lacks a place to sell it.”
She also highlighted that this partnership could help designers access high-quality fabrics essential for their work. She said: “We often face challenges in sourcing high-quality fabrics; since Pakistan produces excellent fabrics, we expect this partnership to make it easier for us to acquire them.”
Harriet Kamashanyu, a co-organizer of the event showcasing fashion that reflects the cultures of both Pakistan and Rwanda, stated that they anticipate mutual benefits for both parties.
She said: “I take pride in being Rwandan and cherish our culture. I had the opportunity to speak with the Ambassador and heard his ideas regarding support for the arts and youth; I thought, ‘Why not organize a fashion show that highlights the cultures of both countries?”
Kamashanyu noted that the Embassy of Pakistan welcomed the idea, adding that the event holds great promise, as eight Ambassadors representing their countries in Rwanda have already confirmed their attendance.
The event, named the ‘Rwanda-Pakistan Cultural Fashion Show,’ is scheduled for October 9, 2026, at the Embassy of Pakistan in Rwanda, where fashion designs and attire reflecting the cultures of both nations will be showcased.
Rwanda and Pakistan enjoy good relations, having recently signed a cooperation agreement aimed at facilitating the activities of traders and investors from both sides and removing obstacles that previously hindered trade.
The agreement was signed in Kigali on Thursday, September 24, 2026, during a meeting bringing together representatives of the trade and investment sectors from both Rwanda and Pakistan.
Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Tony Kajangwe, stated that Rwanda and Pakistan have committed to identifying opportunities for the development of various sectors.
Rwanda and Pakistan have maintained diplomatic relations since 1962; Pakistan has had an Ambassador in Kigali since 2021, while Rwanda opened its diplomatic mission in Islamabad in 2025.
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