Rwanda has severed all diplomatic ties with Belgiumas and ordered Monday all Belgian diplomats to leave Rwanda within 48 hours.
"Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilise against Rwanda in different forums," Rwandan Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
While Rwanda said the measure will safeguard its national interests, Belgium, which has voiced concern about Rwanda's support for rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), said it will respond in kind.
Belgian Deputy Prime Miinister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Prevot, said on social media "Belgium regrets the decision of Rwanda to cut off diplomatic relations with Belgium and to declare Belgium's diplomats persona non grata."
He also mentioned Rwanda's move as " disproportionate".
Recall Belgium recently froze aid and suspended trade agreements with Rwanda amid fraught relations between the countries over fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).