Kigali- President Paul Kagame has praised his Tanzanian counterpart, Samia Suluhu Hassan, for the warm welcome and productive discussions held during his official visit to Tanzania on May 3, 2026. The visit, which lasted one day, underscored the deepening partnership between the two neighboring nations and their shared commitment to advancing development for their citizens.
In a message shared on social media following the visit, President Kagame emphasized that Rwanda and Tanzania are not only geographically close but are also bound by a shared history and common development goals. He highlighted that the discussions between the two leaders yielded meaningful outcomes and reaffirmed both countries’ determination to strengthen cooperation across key sectors.
President Kagame expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended to him, stating, “Thank you very much, my sister President Samia Suluhu, for the warm welcome in Tanzania and the productive discussions.” He noted that the relationship between Rwanda and Tanzania is rooted in brotherhood, with both nations working together to promote sustainable growth and regional progress.
He further stressed Rwanda’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Tanzania in areas such as trade, investment, infrastructure, transport, energy, and regional integration. According to President Kagame, building on this strong foundation will enable both countries to deliver tangible benefits to their populations.
“I will continue our cooperation to deliver concrete solutions for our people and to advance the East African Community,” he said, pointing to the importance of regional collaboration in achieving long-term economic and social development.
Speaking to the media, President Kagame described Tanzania as a vital economic partner for Rwanda, particularly due to its strategic role in facilitating access to international markets through the Port of Dar es Salaam. He noted that years of collaboration in trade and transport have significantly contributed to Rwanda’s economic connectivity.
President Kagame also revealed that Rwanda intends to formally recognize and thank Tanzanian citizens who demonstrated courage and compassion during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, highlighting the enduring bonds of solidarity between the two nations.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan welcomed President Kagame and reaffirmed the strength of bilateral relations. She noted that their discussions focused on enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, transport, and energy, while also reinforcing existing partnerships.
President Samia pointed to strong economic indicators supporting the partnership, noting that approximately 70 percent of goods destined for Rwanda pass through Tanzanian ports. Trade between the two countries reached 644 billion Tanzanian shillings in 2025, with continued growth in investment contributing to job creation in both nations.
President Samia further emphasized that both leaders agreed to take additional steps to promote trade by addressing non-tariff barriers, strengthening investment opportunities, and investing in key infrastructure such as transport networks, communication systems, and energy development.
Beyond economic collaboration, the leaders also discussed security and defense cooperation, as well as broader regional and international partnerships, reflecting a shared vision for stability and prosperity in East Africa.
The visit highlighted the enduring partnership between Rwanda and Tanzania, reinforcing their joint commitment to unity, development, and regional integration.
