Rwanda’s Presidency has revealed that President Kagame met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Majlis at the Amiri Diwan for a productive discussion on bilateral relations and the ongoing successful areas of cooperation between the two countries.
The Head of State was last in Qatar in October 2021. At the time, he met with the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to discuss ongoing areas of bilateral cooperation.
The two sides discussed bilateral relations between Qatar and Rwanda as well as ways to support and enhance them in various fields of cooperation, especially in the economy, trade, and investment.
They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest.
The discussions were held in the attendance of a number of Qatari Ministers alongside the members of the official delegation accompanying Kagame.
Qatar enjoys vibrant relations with Rwanda.
In April 2019; the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani came to Rwanda for two-day working visit.
At the time, both heads of states also visited Akagera National Park which is home to the big five animals.
During his stay in Rwanda, President Kagame and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani the Emir of Qatar witnessed the signing ceremony of four agreements meant to promote various development sectors between both countries.
These include 4 agreements in sectors of culture, sports, tourism and business events and aviation travel and logistics.
They were added to existing ones signed in Doha, Qatar when President Kagame visited the country at the end of 2018. These were related to air service transport services, promoting and protecting joint investment and cooperation in trade and technical areas among others.
In May 2017, Rwanda and Qatar signed agreements in diplomatic cooperation. Qatar Airways aircraft conduct flights from Doha to Kigali among other destinations including Dubai.
On 26th May 2015, both countries signed cooperation agreements to fight against drug abuse on the sidelines of Qatar International Anti-Drug Forum held in Doha.
Among others, Qatar’s interests in Rwanda include a 60% stake in Bugesera International Airport, currently under construction and a 49% stake in RwandAir.
QIA’s portfolio companies are also supporting the Rwandan government’s efforts to make the central African country a global tourism destination.
On Wednesday 14th July 2021, Qatar inaugurated a new embassy building located in Kimihurura, Kigali City.
The embassy’s former office was located at the opposite side of Kigali Marriot Hotel in Nyarugenge district.
At the time, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta said that the launch of the new embassy is another milestone to deepen bilateral relations further.