SALALAH, Oman — September 8, 2026 — President Paul Kagame concluded a two-day official visit to the Sultanate of Oman on Tuesday, with Rwanda and Oman announcing new diplomatic mechanisms, agreements and investment initiatives designed to deepen a relationship that increasingly connects East Africa with the Gulf region.
President Kagame visited Oman from September 7 to 8 at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. During official talks, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in investment, transport, energy, mining, tourism, logistics, communications, banking and finance.
A significant outcome was the decision by Rwanda and Oman to establish resident embassies in each other’s countries. The governments also agreed to establish a Joint Committee and a Joint Business Council, providing permanent institutional channels through which officials and private-sector representatives can advance bilateral projects, investment and trade.
The visit also produced an agreement exempting holders of official passports from mutual visa requirements and another agreement aimed at avoiding double taxation. Memoranda of understanding covered political consultations, labor, logistics and inland and dry-port development, agriculture, investment promotion and a framework for activating strategic investment partnerships.
The expanded cooperation builds upon initiatives developed earlier in 2026. Rwanda and Oman have pursued partnerships involving logistics, supply chains, data centers, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, airport development and aviation. Direct air connectivity between Muscat and Kigali has also strengthened the physical link between the two countries.
Oman’s Foreign Ministry said the two leaders welcomed the progress already achieved in bilateral cooperation, particularly in transport, communications and information technology. The official joint statement said the governments remain committed to developing their partnership in ways that serve their “common interests.”
Economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. According to Omani government accounts, talks between President Kagame and Sultan Haitham examined potential cooperation and investment in areas including mining, renewable energy, food security, logistics, inland ports and healthcare. The growing partnership reflects Rwanda’s broader effort to attract international investment while strengthening its position as an economic and technological hub linking African markets with partners beyond the continent.
The leaders also discussed regional and international developments. Their joint statement emphasized support for security and stability and for resolving disputes through peaceful means and international law. President Kagame praised Oman’s contribution to regional dialogue and peace efforts, while Sultan Haitham expressed appreciation for Rwanda’s contribution to stability and its pursuit of dialogue and peaceful solutions in its region.
Beyond formal diplomacy, President Kagame’s final day in Oman included visits highlighting the Sultanate’s cultural heritage and agricultural development. In Salalah, he visited the Museum of the Frankincense Land at the UNESCO-listed Al Baleed Archaeological Park, including its Maritime and History halls. He also toured Razat Royal Farm, an agricultural and educational site featuring livestock, wildlife, fruit and vegetable production, and rare trees including frankincense.
The cultural component underscored a longer historical connection between Oman and East Africa. Oman’s Foreign Ministry notes that commercial, humanitarian and cultural exchanges between Oman and the East African region extend back centuries, providing a historical foundation upon which modern Rwanda-Oman relations have developed. Formal diplomatic relations between the two countries date to 1982.
Sultan Haitham later bid farewell to President Kagame and his delegation at Al Mamurah Palace as the official program came to an end. President Kagame expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended to the Rwandan delegation and invited the Omani leader to visit Rwanda, according to the joint statement.
President Kagame and his delegation subsequently departed Oman from the Royal Airport in Salalah. Among the officials present for the departure were Dhofar Governor Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, other Omani officials and diplomatic representatives of the two countries.
The visit represents a substantial step in Rwanda-Oman relations, moving the partnership beyond periodic diplomatic engagement toward permanent representation, structured government coordination and closer private-sector cooperation. With new agreements and institutional mechanisms now in place, Kigali and Muscat are positioning their relationship around trade, investment, technology, connectivity and sustainable economic development.
