Russia–Rwanda relations Russia–Rwanda relations Russia–Rwanda relations () refers to the bilateral relationship between the two countries, Russia and Rwanda. On 30 June 1962, a day before Rwanda gained independence from Belgium, the Soviet Union sent a telegram to Kigali recognising Rwanda as a sovereign and independent state, and offered to establish diplomatic relations. Diplomatic relations were established between the two states on 17 October 1963. Rwanda recognised the Russian Federation in January 1992 as the successor state of the Soviet Union, after the latter's dissolution. Russia has an embassy in Kigali. The current Ambassador of Russia to Rwanda is Andrey Vradimirovich Polyakov,
Islam in Rwanda Islam in Rwanda Islam is the largest minority religion in Rwanda, practiced by 4.6% of the total population according to 2006 census. Virtually all Muslims in Rwanda are Sunni. Islam was first introduced into Rwanda by Muslim traders from the East Coast of Africa in the 18th century. Since its introduction, Muslims have been a minority in the territory, while the Roman Catholic Church, introduced to Rwandans during the colonial period in the late 19th century is the largest religion in the country. For the first time in its history in Rwanda, Islam is accorded the same rights and freedoms