KIGALI, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Israel on Monday formally opened its embassy in Rwanda to further strengthen bilateral ties.

Yuval Rotem, director general of the Israeli foreign ministry, together with Richard Sezibera, Rwandan minister of foreign affairs, inaugurated the embassy in Kigali, capital of Rwanda.

"Israel is returning to Africa. Rwanda is part of our country's mission to expand presence in Africa and further deepen cooperation with African countries including Rwanda," said Rotem at the embassy opening ceremony, who was appointed as Israeli Ambassador to Rwanda early this year.

"Rwanda and Israel enjoy cordial relations and the opening of its embassy in our country will further deepen our relations," said Sezibera.

Rwanda-Israel partnership is multifaceted, with focus on agriculture, information technology, defence and security, he said.

The talks on the direct flight operated by the Rwandan national carrier RwandAir between Kigali and Israel's Tel Aviv are in "advanced stages", according to the minister.

Rwanda re-opened the embassy in Tel Aviv in 2015.