The three-day session, taking place from May 20 to 22, 2026, brings together senior military and government officials from both countries to review ongoing defence cooperation and explore new areas of partnership.

Held annually, the Joint Intergovernmental Commission serves as an important platform for assessing the progress of military and technical collaboration between Kigali and Moscow while identifying strategic opportunities for future cooperation.

This year’s session is co-chaired by Brigadier General Patrick Karuretwa and Anatoly Punchuk. Officials from both sides are expected to discuss key defence priorities, military technical cooperation, capacity building, training, and other strategic areas aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

On the sidelines of the session, the visiting Russian delegation held separate meetings with Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvénal Marizamunda, and the Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force, Mubarakh Muganga.

The meetings focused on exchanging views on bilateral defence partnership priorities and enhancing long-term military cooperation between the two countries.

The session highlights Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international defence partnerships as part of broader initiatives aimed at enhancing national security, professional military development, and regional stability.