President Paul Kagame on Thursday welcomed Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar, for a two-day working visit aimed at strengthening ties and cooperation between the two countries.
Sheikh Tamim arrived at Kigali International Airport, where he was received by Kagame, before traveling to Bugesera District, the Emir’s official residence, for bilateral talks.
The visit underscores growing collaboration between Rwanda and Qatar in areas including economics, transport, education, technology, and security. Both nations also work together on investment projects, particularly in tourism, with a focus on sustainable development.
In 2019, the Emir visited Rwanda, signing agreements covering culture, sports, and tourism. Qatar holds a 60% stake in RwandAir and is a major partner in the $2 billion Bugesera International Airport project, expected to serve more than 14 million passengers annually. The airport will be the second most modern in East Africa after Ethiopia.
The two countries also cooperate on security, including military training and cybersecurity, with Qatar helping promote peace and stability in the region, including in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ali bin Hamad Al Aida, charge d’affaires at Qatar’s embassy in Rwanda, said the visit will strengthen cooperation in development, education, transport, and technology. “Rwanda is a key partner for Qatar in the region,” he said.
Rwanda’s ambassador to Qatar, Igor Marara Kayinamura, highlighted collaboration on projects including the Bugesera airport and Kigali Innovation City, an initiative designed to make Rwanda a technology hub in Africa.
The two-day visit is expected to result in new cooperation agreements, further cementing the long-standing strategic partnership between Rwanda and Qatar.
