Sheikh Tamim arrived at Kigali International Airport on Thursday, November 20, where President Kagame received him before both leaders proceeded to Kibugabuga in Bugesera District, the President’s private farm, for bilateral discussions.
The two nations have steadily strengthened ties over the past decade, particularly in aviation, investment, tourism, technology, and security.
Qatar holds a 60 percent stake in RwandAir and is a major investor in the proposed Bugesera International Airport, a project valued at about $2 billion.
The airport, now under construction, is expected to handle more than 14 million passengers annually once completed, making it one of East Africa’s most modern aviation hubs.
Rwandan and Qatari officials describe the relationship as mutually beneficial and anchored in long-term development.
Ali bin Hamad Al Aida, Qatar’s chargé d’affaires in Rwanda, said the Emir’s visit comes at a time when “Rwanda is a key partner for Qatar in the region”.
He added that the two countries expect to widen collaboration in transport, technology, education, and security.
Rwanda’s ambassador to Qatar, Igor Marara Kayinamura, highlighted ongoing joint ventures such as the Bugesera airport and Kigali Innovation City, an ambitious project intended to position Rwanda as a technology and knowledge hub on the continent.
Security cooperation remains another essential pillar of the partnership. Qatar has supported Rwanda in military training and cybersecurity development and has been involved in broader regional peacebuilding efforts, including initiatives linked to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kagame gifts Inyambo cows to Emir of Qatar
During the visit, President Kagame also hosted the Emir at his rural farm, where he presented him with Inyambo cows, an iconic symbol of Rwandan heritage.
The gesture, deeply rooted in Rwandan tradition, signifies friendship, respect, and enduring ties between leaders.
The President’s Office noted that exchanging cows remains one of the highest expressions of goodwill in Rwandan culture, a practice that dates back centuries.
The gift adds a cultural layer to the political and economic significance of Sheikh Tamim’s second visit to Rwanda since 2019.
His previous visit saw the signing of agreements covering culture, sports, tourism, business events, and aviation.
The two-day visit is expected to yield additional cooperation agreements, further solidifying the strategic partnership between Rwanda and Qatar as they pursue shared economic and geopolitical ambitions.
