President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, Held Talks with Senator Daines on Rwanda–United States Cooperation
President Paul Kagame held discussions with a delegation from the United States on cooperation in various sectors aimed at advancing economic development
By Gisele Umuhoza
The Office of the President announced that President Kagame and Senator Daines “discussed ways to advance Rwanda–United States cooperation, regional security, and opportunities to expand economic collaboration.”
On the evening of February 19, 2026, the Head of State also received the Honorary President of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Lee Rosenberg, as well as author Saul Singer, co-author of the books Start-Up Nation and The Genius of Israel, both of which focus on Israel.
Start-Up Nation highlights how Israel, despite being a small country with limited natural resources, managed to become a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Meanwhile, The Genius of Israel explores Israel’s culture of innovation, examining Israeli society, the challenges the country has faced, and the values that have enabled this Middle Eastern nation to become internationally recognized for advanced technology and technology-driven business.
President Kagame also received Wendy Singer, former CEO of AIPAC, along with the delegation accompanying her.
Village Urugwiro further stated that “they discussed collaboration across various sectors, including innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology.”
Rwanda remains a strong partner of the United States across multiple sectors, including education, trade, health, security, and others.
In the economic sector, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) 2024 annual report indicated that the United States invested approximately $441.3 million across 31 different projects.
Trade in goods and services between Rwanda and the United States in 2024 was valued at $368.9 million. Of this amount, goods accounted for $74.9 million, while services represented $294 million.
On December 5, 2025, Rwanda and the United States also signed a $228 million health cooperation agreement aimed at supporting Rwanda’s healthcare sector. The agreement was signed in Washington, D.C.
In October 2025, Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva met in Washington with the U.S. Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in energy innovation, nuclear energy utilization, natural gas, and the mining and processing of critical minerals.
The United States also collaborates with Rwanda in promoting security within Rwanda and the region. On December 4, 2025, a long-negotiated peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo was signed. The ceremony took place in Washington, where President Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi signed the agreement in the presence of Donald Trump.
AIPAC is a highly influential organization composed of prominent figures within the United States.
Founded in 1951, it holds annual conferences where individuals aspiring to lead the United States outline their approach toward relations with Israel and allied countries.
Historically, AIPAC played a role in persuading the U.S. Congress to provide assistance to Israel in 1951, at a time when Israel was facing pressure to halt funding for the resettlement of Jewish refugees.
It has also advocated for military assistance and helped strengthen enduring ties between the United States and Israel following America’s recognition of Israel as a state in 1948.
Additionally, AIPAC contributes to educating candidates seeking election to the U.S. Congress about U.S.–Israel relations, supports them in resource mobilization, and assists U.S. presidents in advancing their legislative agendas in Congress efforts often reciprocated through continued American support for Israel.