KIGALI, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The Rwandan government has reassured Belgians in the country and those wishing to visit that the recent severing of diplomatic relations with Belgium will not affect them.

In a statement issued late Thursday, the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the free movement of travelers and professionals from Belgium to Rwanda continues normally.

"The severance of diplomatic relations does not affect Belgian citizens residing in Rwanda or wishing to visit our country. Belgian nationals will continue to obtain a visa on arrival, without visa fees for a 30-day stay, in accordance with the current visa regime," the ministry said.

Rwanda cut diplomatic relations with Belgium earlier this week, giving the Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country. It also closed its embassy in Brussels.

The diplomatic spat came after Rwandan President Paul Kagame accused Belgium of advocating for international sanctions against Rwanda over the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Rwandan diplomats in Belgium were declared "persona non grata."

On Monday, the European Union sanctioned three Rwandan military commanders, accusing them of being responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability, and insecurity in the DRC. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)