Africa-Press – Rwanda. President Paul Kagame and Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, used public statements on X (formerly Twitter) to highlight the growing momentum in the two countries’ relations following the Emir’s two-day official visit to Kigali, from November 20-21.
President Kagame thanked the Qatari leader for what he called “productive discussions,” noting that Rwanda “deeply appreciates the strong partnership with the State of Qatar and the personal friendship” that continues to shape bilateral cooperation.
Kagame maintained that Kigali looks forward to building on the progress achieved during the visit and advancing shared priorities for the benefit of both countries.
The Qatari leader arrived in Kigali on Thursday, November 20, and was received by his host, President Kagame, at Kigali International Airport.
Later on the same day, President Kagame and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani toured Kagame’s farm, where he gifted the visiting Head of State with Inyambo Cows, a symbolic gesture rooted in Rwandan tradition.
The gesture signifies friendship, mutual respect, and the strong bond between the two leaders and their nations, according to Village Urugwiro.
Sheikh Tamim, in his own statement, described the meeting as part of a broader commitment to expanding bilateral opportunities.
He said Qatar and Rwanda “are united by strong and growing relations” and are moving “with rapid strides toward promising horizons of partnership and mutual interests.”
The Emir also commended President Kagame’s efforts in supporting regional peace initiatives.
Growing relations
The visit comes at a time when Qatari investments continue to anchor key sectors in Rwanda.
Qatar Airways holds a stake in national carrier RwandAir, and Qatar is co-developing the proposed airport in Bugesera, a $2 billion project expected to position Rwanda as a major regional transport hub.
Financial cooperation has also grown, marked by a memorandum of understanding between the Qatar Financial Centre and Rwanda Finance Limited.
Beyond commercial ties, the partnership is frequently cited as a model for Africa, particularly in aviation, finance, and sustainable development initiatives such as the Virunga Africa Fund I.
Government spokesperson Yolande Makolo observed that both countries view technology, innovation, energy, and agriculture as priority areas for future cooperation.
She told Qatar News Agency that Rwanda stands to benefit from Qatar’s experience in sectors such as energy, while agriculture remains a core component of Rwanda’s long-term economic agenda.
Makolo stressed Rwanda’s interest in widening collaboration in these fields, citing their strategic value for economic transformation.
She also pointed to human capital as a shared priority, citing Qatar’s support for the Zero Out-of-School project.
The five-year initiative, launched in 2023, aims to bring more than 177,000 out-of-school children back into the education system by 2027.
Implemented by Save the Children in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the programme tackles barriers such as cost, disability, and other social challenges through school supplies, remedial learning, and psychosocial support.
“We have Rwandan students studying in Qatar, and we would like even more to go there,” Makolo said, describing education exchanges as part of Rwanda’s broader economic strategy.
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