Rwanda, Oman deepen ties with permanent embassies and eight new agreements

By The Inspirer.

Rwanda and Oman have agreed to establish permanent embassies in each other’s countries as the two sides move to deepen diplomatic, trade and investment ties.

The agreement was reached during President Paul Kagame’s two-day working visit to Oman from September 7 to 8, 2026, at the invitation of Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.

During talks between the two leaders, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in areas including investment, transport, energy, mining, tourism, trade, telecommunications and financial services.

A joint statement issued after the visit said the two sides had agreed to open embassies in each country, establish a joint committee and create a joint business council to coordinate and advance bilateral cooperation projects.

The establishment of permanent diplomatic missions is expected to provide a stronger framework for political engagement and make it easier for Rwanda and Oman to pursue shared economic and strategic interests.

The two countries also agreed to establish a technical cooperation programme aimed at strengthening collaboration between government institutions and the private sector, particularly in science and technology.

Eight agreements signed

The visit also resulted in the signing of eight agreements and cooperation instruments covering several areas of bilateral relations.

Among them were agreements to facilitate travel for holders of diplomatic, official and special passports, as well as an agreement aimed at preventing double taxation for individuals and companies operating between Rwanda and Oman.

Other areas covered include political consultations, transport and inland port infrastructure, agriculture, investment promotion and trade cooperation.

The agreements are expected to improve the environment for businesses and investors from both countries while strengthening institutional cooperation.

Kagame and Sultan Haitham welcomed progress already made in bilateral relations, particularly in transport, telecommunications and information and communication technology.

Focus on trade and investment

The two countries are seeking to broaden their relationship beyond traditional diplomatic ties by increasing trade and investment.

Discussions highlighted opportunities in sectors including tourism, agriculture, mining, energy, logistics, technology and financial services.

For Rwanda, closer relations with Oman could help attract investment from the Gulf and strengthen access to markets in the Middle East and Asia.

Oman, meanwhile, sees Rwanda as a potential gateway to investment and business opportunities in East Africa.

The creation of a joint business council is expected to provide a platform for the private sectors of both countries to identify investment opportunities, build partnerships and follow up on potential projects.

Regional peace and security discussed

Kagame and Sultan Haitham also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest, including peace and security.

The two leaders reaffirmed their support for resolving conflicts through dialogue and peaceful means, in accordance with international law.

Kagame thanked Oman for its role in promoting dialogue and peaceful solutions to regional conflicts.

Sultan Haitham, in turn, commended Rwanda’s contribution to peace and security and its efforts to promote dialogue in the Great Lakes region.

Kagame invites Sultan Haitham to Rwanda

At the conclusion of his visit, Kagame thanked Sultan Haitham and the Omani leadership for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation.

He also invited Sultan Haitham to visit Rwanda, signalling the two countries’ intention to maintain momentum in their growing partnership.

The visit marked a significant step in Rwanda-Oman relations, with the establishment of permanent embassies, new cooperation mechanisms and agreements across key economic sectors laying the groundwork for closer diplomatic, commercial and investment ties.