Rwanda and Turkey Strengthen Ties with Landmark Agreements During Historic Visit

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and First Lady Jeannette Kagame wrapped up a significant two-day diplomatic mission to Ankara, Turkey, further solidifying the growing partnership between the two nations.

The highlight of the visit took place on January 23, 2025, at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, where several key agreements were signed between the two countries following a productive one-on-one meeting between President Kagame and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

These agreements cover diverse areas such as media communication, aviation safety, defense, and more, underscoring the shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.

In a joint statement, President Erdoğan expressed, “We discussed concrete steps to deepen our cooperation in trade, investments, energy, education, culture, defense, and research and development.” Both leaders also emphasized the mutual benefits that would arise from this partnership, particularly in infrastructure development.

Upon their arrival at Ankara’s international airport, the Kagame and the first Lady were warmly welcomed by Turkish officials, setting the tone for a highly successful visit. The two presidents held private talks that spanned various topics, from business and security to cultural exchanges and tourism.

President Kagame expressed his appreciation for Turkey’s significant investments in Rwanda, which have helped spur the country’s rapid infrastructure development. He specifically highlighted the renovation of Amahoro Stadium and ongoing projects led by Turkish company SUMMA, which has also contributed to the construction of key housing, office spaces, and arenas in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali.

“Turkey’s investments have been crucial to Rwanda’s development,” Kagame said. He also mentioned Hakan Energy, a Turkish firm involved in the Gisagara Peat-to-Power plant project, which will contribute to Rwanda’s ambitious goal of achieving 100% electricity access by 2035.

Turkey’s involvement in Rwanda’s tourism sector is another promising area. One of Turkey’s leading hot air balloon companies is set to launch a national tourism program in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, helping to boost the country’s growing tourism industry. Additionally, Turkish Airlines has partnered with Rwanda to promote golf tourism, a key strategy to diversify Rwanda’s tourism offerings and attract international visitors.

In education, Turkey is collaborating with Rwanda to establish a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) center, further strengthening ties between the two countries in academia. The Turkish government also continues to offer fully funded scholarships for Rwandan students pursuing master’s and Ph.D. degrees, fostering deeper academic and cultural exchange.

Rwanda is also increasingly attractive to Turkish investors in the finance sector, with discussions ongoing about how Turkey can contribute to Kigali International Finance Center and other financial initiatives in Rwanda.

On a cultural note, Madam Jeannette, alongside Emine, the First Lady of Turkey, explored Rwanda-Turkey cultural ties by visiting the African Handicrafts and Cultural Center and the National Library. They also signed an international agreement on waste management, furthering both countries’ commitment to sustainable development.

Beyond bilateral agreements, President Kagame and President Erdoğan discussed broader regional issues, particularly the importance of fostering peace and stability in East Africa. Kagame commended Erdoğan’s efforts in promoting peace between Somalia and Ethiopia and urged him to extend this commitment to resolving the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Erdoğan reaffirmed Turkey’s support for Angola’s peace efforts in the DRC, expressing Turkey’s readiness to assist in any way possible.

In addition to the political discussions, the Kagame and Madam took time to honor Turkey’s rich history. On Thursday morning, they visited Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, paying their respects to this visionary leader.

As the visit concluded, both leaders expressed optimism about the future of Rwanda-Turkey relations. With agreements now in place across multiple sectors, it is clear that the partnership between the two countries will continue to grow, fostering peace, prosperity, and mutual development for years to come.

This visit has not only laid the foundation for a stronger bilateral relationship but has also set the stage for future collaborations that will benefit both nations and the wider region.