Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
On the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) in New York, His Excellency Ambassador Edouard BIZIMANA, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation of the Republic of Burundi, conducted intense diplomatic activity marked by numerous high-level bilateral and multilateral meetings.
The Minister had the honor of being warmly received by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, His Excellency António Guterres , to whom he conveyed the greetings and best wishes of His Excellency General Évariste NDAYISHIMIYE, President of the Republic of Burundi. The discussions focused on peace and security issues in the Great Lakes Region as well as the prospects for enhanced cooperation between Burundi and the UN.
In the same context, the Minister held constructive bilateral meetings with several of his counterparts, including the Foreign Ministers of Algeria, Mali, Germany, Venezuela, Bulgaria, Morocco, Eritrea, Bangladesh, Côte d’Ivoire, the Sultanate of Oman, Benin, Austria and Antigua and Barbuda. These cordial exchanges highlighted the shared desire to consolidate the bonds of friendship and bilateral and multilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of peace, security, South-South solidarity, and sustainable development.
Particular attention was paid to strengthening strategic partnerships with international organizations. Minister Bizimana met with the Deputy Director-General of the World Food Programme (WFP) on food security and nutrition issues, as well as with Ms. Diene Keita, the new Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), on the crucial issue of youth empowerment and investment in human capital.
Furthermore, His Excellency Edouard BIZIMANA took part in several thematic ministerial meetings, including those of the Group of Friends of the United Nations Charter, Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The Minister reaffirmed Burundi’s commitment to the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter – sovereignty, equality of States and non-interference – and advocated for increased support for infrastructure, regional connectivity and the Doha Agenda for Action.
These various meetings and interventions illustrate Burundi’s ongoing commitment to constructive, proactive, and supportive diplomacy, based on dialogue, mutual respect, and the pursuit of mutually fruitful partnerships. They also reflect Bujumbura’s desire to consolidate its place within the international community and actively contribute to global debates on peace, security, and sustainable development.