Enhancing bilateral ties: President Kagame’s visit to Turkey

By The Inspirer.

On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and First Lady Jeannette Kagame arrived in Ankara, Turkey, for a two-day working visit aimed at deepening the collaboration between the two countries across various sectors.

President Kagame is scheduled to hold high-level talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Thursday, which will be followed by discussions with delegations from both nations. The leaders are also expected to deliver statements and address the media during a joint press conference.

During the visit, the Rwandan delegation, led by President Kagame and Mrs. Jeannette Kagame, will also pay homage to the late Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founding father of the Turkish Republic, at the Anıtkabir Memorial Tomb. In addition, a special evening dinner will be hosted in their honor, celebrating the growing bilateral ties.

Rwanda and Turkey share a strong partnership that has yielded tangible outcomes, particularly in areas of development. The two countries have signed 21 cooperation agreements in key fields such as general collaboration, culture, science, technology, and innovation. Their commitment to expanding trade and investment has benefited both nations, with Turkish companies playing an instrumental role in several key infrastructure projects in Rwanda, including the Kigali Convention Centre, BK Arena, and the renovation of Amahoro Stadium.

President Kagame expressed satisfaction with the significant increase in bilateral trade in recent years, underscoring the importance of setting ambitious targets to reach an annual trade volume of one billion US dollars. Rwanda’s exports to Turkey have grown substantially, from US$31 million in 2019 to US$178 million in 2022, reflecting the deepening economic ties.

Rwanda continues to attract prominent Turkish investors, including billionaire Ferit Şahenk, who is preparing to launch multiple investment projects in the country. One of Şahenk’s companies, Doğuş Group, is planning to make a major contribution to Rwanda’s hotel and hospitality sector by constructing three luxury hotels in various regions across the country.