Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
On April 3, 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation, His Excellency Ambassador Edouard Bizimana, met with media professionals on Friday at the Best Outlook Hotel in Bujumbura. The objective was to present the Ministry’s flagship achievements for the period from October
2025 to March 2026.
The Minister emphasized the importance of collaborating with the media to convey information that directly affects the population. He highlighted Burundi’s efforts to defend its interests internationally, strengthen sub-regional integration and international cooperation, improve general administration, and promote the country’s
integration into the East African Community.
Among the achievements mentioned were the strengthening of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, the negotiation of agreements, and participation in international meetings. Burundi also promotes peaceful solutions to problems through dialogue. The Ministry contributes to the country’s economic development through the legalization of documents and the approval of new labor recruitment agencies. Cooperation with NGOs and participation in regional and international initiatives were also underscored.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s willingness to continue working with the media to inform the national, regional and international communities about the country’s achievements. He answered questions from media professionals, particularly regarding journalists’ participation in administrative boundary missions and visa exemptions.
After the presentation of achievements by His Excellency Ambassador Édouard Bizimana, questions from media professionals followed, and the Minister provided satisfactory clarifications. Among these questions was the matter of journalists participating in the Minister’s various missions. This proposal was well received, subject to expenses and budgetary provisions.
Regarding students studying abroad, the Minister clarified that their return to the country after completing their studies remains mandatory in order to contribute to the implementation of Burundi’s vision of ‘’an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060.’’ Finally, concerning visa exemptions in EAC (East African Community) countries and other partner countries, the Minister explained that this agreement applies only to holders of service and diplomatic passports.
The meeting ended with an exchange of best wishes for 2026, marking an important step in cooperation between the Ministry and the media