Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation, His Excellency Ambassador Édouard Bizimana, officially closed, on 18 September 2026, a diplomatic training programme organized for newly appointed diplomats and several officials from the Ministry. The training was held in Bujumbura from 14 to 18 September 2026 under the theme “Economic Diplomacy and Cooperation Strategies in the Digital Age.”
In his closing remarks, the Minister said that the training marks the beginning of a diplomatic career for the newly appointed Ambassadors and will help them effectively carry out their missions. He highlighted the relevance of the topics covered, particularly economic and strategic diplomacy, as well as planning tools that will support them in carrying out their responsibilities, including the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB).
Addressing the newly appointed diplomats who will represent Burundi abroad, the Minister noted that diplomacy is a complex field. He encouraged them to demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and sound judgment, to remain well trained, informed and connected, and to make use of appropriate strategies to build trust and strengthen relations with partners. He further noted that challenges would inevitably arise in the course of their missions, but encouraged them to turn these challenges into opportunities to make a difference, while respecting the chain of command and contributing to Burundi’s development.
Before concluding his remarks, the Minister thanked the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for funding the training and for its commitment to continue supporting the Ministry in other areas, including defense, security, the National Assembly, education, etc with a view to developing a strong pool of professionals for Burundi’s diplomatic service.
On behalf of the newly appointed and former diplomats who participated in the training, Ambassador Domine Banyankimbona expressed her appreciation for the initiative to train diplomats who will represent the country on the international stage.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Jonas Mfouatie, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Burundi, said that UNDP would continue supporting Burundi in strengthening its capacity in economic diplomacy. He welcomed the initiative and commended the Ministry for organizing the training. He stressed that Burundi’s diplomacy should go beyond simple diplomatic representation, and that it is important to consistently consider what the Burundian people stand to gain from each agreement negotiated and signed, in order to safeguard and advance the country’s interests on the international stage.