Foreign Ministry Communique on the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations with Burundi

Israel played a major role in the international humanitarian efforts to alleviate the plight of refugees in Rwanda. The latter's neighbour, Burundi, was highly aware of this activity, and that propelled it into normalizing diplomatic ties with Israel at an ambassadorial level. By March 1995, Israel had renewed ties with all African nations that suspended them in the early 1970s, while continuing its ties with other nations on that continent.

Israel and the Republic of Burundi have today (Wednesday), March 1, 1995, resumed diplomatic relations at the level of ambassadors. The decision to restore relations was made out of a mutual desire to develop and strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, on the basis of the universal principles of international law and the UN charter. The practical aspects of this decision, including the appointment of ambassadors and cooperation between Israel and Burundi to promote peace and understanding between their peoples, will be discussed through diplomatic channels.