President Kagame receives Qatar’s Emir for a two-day state visit

By The Inspirer.

President Paul Kagame has received His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, who arrived in Rwanda on Thursday, November 20, 2025, for a two-day working visit.

The Rwandan Head of State welcomed the Qatari leader at Kigali International Airport, where both were accompanied by senior government officials.

The visit aims to strengthen the long-standing diplomatic and economic relations between Rwanda and Qatar. The two countries continue to deepen cooperation in various sectors, particularly in investment, foreign affairs, and tourism.

Rwanda and Qatar have built a partnership grounded in mutual respect, security, and long-term development, reinforced by frequent high-level engagements between the leaders of both nations.

During the Emir’s previous visit to Rwanda in 2019, the two countries signed multiple agreements in areas including culture, sports, and tourism.

One of the most significant pillars of Rwanda–Qatar cooperation is the aviation sector. Qatar has played a major role in the development of Bugesera International Airport, a multi-billion-dollar project expected to cost US$2 billion (approximately RWF 2.8 trillion).

Once completed, it will become one of the largest and most modern international airports in East Africa, second only to Ethiopia’s Bole International Airport.

Qatar Airways holds a 60 percent stake in RwandAir and is also a key partner in the construction of the new airport, expected to serve more than 14 million passengers annually, positioning Rwanda as a major regional air transport hub.

The two nations also collaborate in defense and cybersecurity, including military training and countering cyber threats.

Qatar continues to serve as an important diplomatic partner in regional peace mediation efforts, particularly regarding insecurity in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where Rwanda is directly affected by instability.