Rwanda and Turkey recently commemorated 103 years of diplomatic relations, with the two nations continuing to bolster their ties through diplomacy. According to Dr. Usta Kaitesi, the State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the relationship between the two countries is strong and continues to grow. The commemoration took place in Kigali on October 29, 2026, with Dr. Kaitesi attending alongside Turkish Ambassador to Rwanda and other officials.
The relationship between Rwanda and Turkey has been expanding through cooperation in various sectors, including economy, trade, infrastructure, education, security, health, agriculture, and technology. Both countries have a long-standing diplomatic relationship, with Turkey opening its embassy in Kigali in 2014 and Rwanda opening its embassy in Ankara in 2013. This cooperation has led to increased collaboration and exchange between the two nations.
In January 2025, Rwandan President Paul Kagame made a working visit to Turkey, marking the first such visit by a Rwandan head of state. The visit contributed to strengthening ties and cooperation between the two countries. Since then, Rwanda and Turkey have signed various agreements to cooperate in different areas, including general cooperation, air transport, defense industries, security, education, economy, trade, taxation, diplomacy, investment, agriculture, livestock, tourism, culture, sports, health, science, technology, innovation, and communication.
Turkish companies have played a significant role in implementing major infrastructure and energy projects in Rwanda. Examples of these projects include the Kigali Convention Centre, BK Arena, and the renovation of the Amahoro Stadium and surrounding infrastructure. Turkish companies have also been involved in constructing government buildings, universities, and other institutions. In the energy sector, Turkish companies contributed to building a hydropower plant, demonstrating their investment in Rwanda's infrastructure and capacity development.
In the aviation sector, Turkish Airlines operates daily flights connecting Turkey and Kigali, facilitating passenger and cargo transport between the two countries and the region. Regarding culture and education, the Yunus Emre Institute has been providing Turkish language courses and organizing cultural events in Kigali since 2021. Rwanda has also benefited from Turkish government scholarships offered to foreign students.
Since 1992, Turkey has provided scholarships to 285 Rwandan students through the Turkey Scholarships program, enabling them to pursue higher education in Turkish universities. The cooperation between Rwanda and Turkey is based on agreements, high-level visits, investments, and collaborations in various sectors. The two countries continue to explore opportunities for cooperation in economy, education, infrastructure, technology, and other areas of mutual interest.
As Rwanda and Turkey move forward, they are expected to deepen their collaboration, fostering greater economic, social, and cultural ties. The two nations have made significant progress in strengthening their relationship, and their continued cooperation is likely to have a positive impact on the lives of their citizens. With a strong foundation in place, Rwanda and Turkey are poised to achieve even greater heights in their bilateral relations.
Key points
- Rwanda and Turkey have strengthened their diplomatic ties through cooperation in various sectors, including economy, education, and infrastructure.
- The two countries have signed various agreements to cooperate in areas such as defense, security, and technology.
- Turkish companies have invested in major infrastructure projects in Rwanda, including the Kigali Convention Centre and a hydropower plant.
