President Paul Kagame on Thursday welcomed Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar, for a two-day working visit aimed at deepening cooperation between the two countries.
Sheikh Tamim arrived at Kigali International Airport, where he was received by Kagame, before traveling to Kibugabuga in Bugesera District, the President’s farm, for bilateral talks.
The visit highlights the growing partnership between Rwanda and Qatar in areas including economics, transport, education, technology, and security. Both countries collaborate on investment projects, particularly in tourism, with a focus on sustainable development.
In 2019, the Emir visited Rwanda and signed 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 become the second most modern in East Africa, after Ethiopia.
The two countries also cooperate on security, including military training and cybersecurity, with Qatar playing a role in promoting peace and stability in the region, including Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ali bin Hamad Al Aida, charge d’affaires at Qatar’s embassy in Rwanda, said the visit will further 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.
