Rwanda, Türkiye mark 103rd anniversary of the Republic

By The Inspirer.

Rwanda and Türkiye continue to strengthen their diplomatic ties, with Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Usta Kaitesi, commending the strong and expanding relations between the two countries.

According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Kaitesi made the remarks in Kigali on the evening of October 29, 2026, during celebrations marking the 103rd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye. She joined officials from the Turkish Embassy in Rwanda for the event.

Relations between Rwanda and Türkiye have continued to grow through cooperation in various sectors, including the economy, trade, infrastructure, education, security, healthcare, agriculture and technology.

The two countries have maintained diplomatic relations for several years. Türkiye opened its embassy in Kigali in 2014, while Rwanda established its embassy in Ankara, the Turkish capital, in 2013.

On January 22, 2025, President Paul Kagame paid an official visit to Türkiye. It was the first visit by a Rwandan Head of State to the country and helped further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation.

Rwanda and Türkiye have signed several cooperation agreements covering areas such as general cooperation, air transport, defence and defence industries, security, education, the economy, trade, taxation, diplomacy, investment, agriculture and livestock, tourism, culture, sports, healthcare, science, technology, innovation and communication.

Turkish companies have also played a role in implementing major infrastructure and energy projects in Rwanda.

Their contributions include the construction of the Kigali Convention Centre and BK Arena, as well as the renovation of Amahoro Stadium and its surrounding infrastructure.

Turkish companies have also participated in the construction of buildings for government institutions and higher learning establishments. In the energy sector, they contributed to the development of a power plant that uses peat as fuel.

These projects demonstrate the contribution of Turkish investors to Rwanda’s infrastructure development and capacity-building efforts across various sectors.

In air transport, Turkish Airlines operates daily flights connecting Türkiye and Kigali, facilitating passenger travel and cargo transportation between the two countries and across the region.

In culture and education, the Yunus Emre Institute has been offering Turkish language classes and organising cultural activities in Kigali since 2021.

Rwanda also benefits from Türkiye’s scholarship programmes for international students. These opportunities are provided through Turkish institutions and organisations responsible for international education and higher learning.

Since 1992, Türkiye has awarded scholarships under its Türkiye Scholarships programme to 285 Rwandan students, enabling them to pursue higher education at universities and other institutions in the country.

Cooperation between Rwanda and Türkiye is further supported by bilateral agreements, high-level visits, investment and collaboration across various sectors.

The two countries continue to explore opportunities to expand cooperation in the economy, education, infrastructure, technology and other areas of mutual benefit.