President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame arrived in Ankara, Turkey on January 22, 2025, for a two-day official visit. Their mission: to deepen the cooperation between Rwanda and Turkey.
The visit comes at a time when both countries are eager to expand cooperation across several key sectors. Trade, infrastructure, and cultural exchange are at the heart of their discussions.
This Thursday, President Kagame will meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan where the two leaders will hold private talks, followed by a joint press briefing. They are expected to discuss the progress of their partnership and future opportunities for growth.
Later, President Kagame and the First Lady will visit Anıtkabir, the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Turkey’s founding father, a gesture of respect for the country’s rich history. In the evening, they will join President Erdoğan for a dinner to further strengthen the bond between the two nations.
Rwanda and Turkey have enjoyed a growing relationship, especially in business. Over the years, trade between the two countries has soared. In 2019, Rwanda’s exports to Turkey were valued at 31 million USD. By 2022, that figure had risen to 178 million USD.
Rwandan infrastructure projects have also benefitted from Turkish investment. Notably, Turkish companies played a key role in the construction of the Kigali Convention Centre, BK Arena, and refurbished Amahoro Stadium.
The two countries are also exploring new investments, with plans to increase trade even further. Rwanda hopes to reach a goal of one billion USD in annual trade with Turkey in the coming years.
This visit builds on a long-standing relationship. Rwanda opened its embassy in Ankara in 2013, and Turkey followed suit by opening an embassy in Kigali in 2014. The two countries have since signed numerous agreements, focusing on everything from cultural exchange to technological innovation.
President Kagame’s visit highlights the strong and growing ties between Rwanda and Turkey. It’s a testament to their shared vision of development, mutual respect, and the bright future they are building together.
