“Burundi is a safe, stable, accessible, and open country, ready to welcome Australian investors, businesses, and tourists,”: said by His Excellency Ambassador Télesphore Irambona during his speech to Australian authorities, entrepreneurs, and the Burundian diaspora in Australia..
On February 19, 2026, Ambassador Télesphore Irambona of the Republic of Burundi presented his credentials to Her Excellency Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. This formal presentation accredited him as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Burundi to Australia.
Right after presenting their Letters of Credence, the two officials discussed the collaboration between Burundi and Australia. They focused on the mining industry and enhancing peace and security in the Great Lakes region of Africa, particularly in light of Burundi’s current presidency of the African Union. Additionally, they exchanged views on cooperation in skills development, international labour mobility programs, health, and food security.
This marks the first time that a Burundian Ambassador has presented their Letters of Credence to Australia since diplomatic relations were established in 2007. This event is a significant step in strengthening the friendship and cooperation between Burundi and Australia.
On the eve of the Credentials presentation ceremonies, Ambassador-designate H.E. Télesphore Irambona met with Mr. Jonathan Muir, Chief of Protocol; Ms. Harinder Sidhu, Deputy Secretary of the International Security, Legal and Consular Group; and Mr. Samuel Bator, Director for East and North Africa in the Africa Branch of the Middle East and Africa Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. They discussed matters of common interest during these meetings, and the Ambassador-designate presented copies of his credentials to Ms Harinder Sidhu.
His Excellency Ambassador Télesphore Irambona had the opportunity to visit the Burundian diaspora in Adelaide. During this visit, he discussed their contributions to national development and the realization of President Evariste Ndayishimiye’s vision for an emerging Burundi by 2040 and a developed Burundi by 2060.
He invited them to invest in the priority areas defined by the country’s authorities, informed them about the consular services provided by the Embassy of Burundi in Beijing, and answered their numerous questions.
Members of the Burundian diaspora in Australia have persistently requested the establishment of a permanent representation of Burundi in Australia. This request is motivated by the significant size of the Burundian community in Australia, the country’s influence, the high volume and frequency of requests for consular services, and the lack of permanent representation of Burundi across Oceania. They are also calling for a visit from the highest authority of Burundi to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
