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On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the Permanent Secretary responsible for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sophonie NITUNGA met with His Excellency Michael Wimmer, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Burundi.<\/p>\nOn Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the Permanent Secretary responsible for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sophonie NITUNGA met with His Excellency Michael Wimmer, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Burundi.<\/p>\n
The discusses on various topics of common interest while welcoming \u00a0the excellent diplomatic relations between Burundi and the Kingdom of Belgium and expressed their shared desire to further strengthen them.<\/p>\n
As part of the review of the cooperation portfolio and the acceleration of the implementation of ongoing projects and programs, the two parties discussed strengthening cooperation between partner ministries and the Embassy of Belgium, as well as the organization of the Burundi-Belgium Joint Cooperation Commission. This session is planned for the end of March or the beginning of April 2026. It will be a framework for a review of the bilateral cooperation portfolio, evaluation of related progress, and, prior to that, preparatory meetings with relevant sectoral ministries.<\/p>\n
Regarding preparations for Burundi’s chairmanship of the African Union, both officials welcomed the support by the Kingdom of Belgium through diplomatic training; some of the trainees were deployed to Addis Ababa for capacity building at the Embassy of Burundi during this chairmanship. In this regard, the role played by the Belgian development agency Enabel was particularly appreciated. The Permanent Secretary highlighted that Burundi will continue to require technical and financial support from its partners.<\/p>\n
Regarding Enabel’s support, Mr. Sophonie Nitunga requested continued assistance, particularly in the fields of training and financial support. The Ambassador of Belgium took note of this request and pledged to discuss with other partners.<\/p>\n
In the realm of bilateral cooperation, the Ambassador also mentioned the Belgium’s support to projects relating with the Port of Bujumbura and the Melchior NDADAYE International Airport, with a view to contributing to the implementation of Burundi’s strategic vision, an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060 .<\/p>\n
The two officials also discussed the security and humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in South Kivu, as well as its migratory impacts on Burundi and the region. They deplored and condemned the attacks by the Rwandan-backed M23 , while acknowledging the appropriateness of the measures taken by Burundi. They encouraged the Burundian side to remain vigilant.<\/p>\n
Regarding the Congolese refugees hosted in Burundi, the Belgian Ambassador indicated that his country has already provided humanitarian aid and intends to continue its support.<\/p>\n
In terms of visa issuance, both Parties agreed on the need to increase the number of Schengen visas to make easy the mobility of both officials and ordinary citizens. The Ambassador specified that the number of applicants has increased from approximately 4,000 in 2024 to nearly 7,000 in 2025. For officials, appointments will continue to be scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the Ambassador expressed the hope that official cases would be communicated in a timely manner to facilitate work planning at the Embassy.<\/p>\n
Finally, Mr. Sophonie NITUNGA emphasized on the need to increase the number of scholarships and training courses in various fields, believing that this will contribute to the training of qualified human resources, capable of achieving the vision of an Burundi , an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country \u00a0by 2060.<\/p>\n
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