DOHA, Qatar — President Paul Kagame arrived in Doha on Sunday for a one-day working visit aimed at strengthening the growing partnership between Rwanda and Qatar amid increasing regional and global security challenges.
Upon his arrival at Doha International Airport on May 24, 2026, President Kagame was welcomed by Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, together with Rwanda’s Ambassador to Qatar, Igor Marara Kayinamura.
Later in the day, President Kagame held high-level talks with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at the Amiri Diwan in Doha. According to information released by Village Urugwiro, the two leaders discussed the strong diplomatic and economic ties between Rwanda and Qatar, as well as ongoing cooperation in strategic sectors including aviation, tourism, infrastructure, and investment.
The meeting reaffirmed the close relationship that has continued to grow between Kigali and Doha in recent years. Rwanda and Qatar have become important partners in regional development and international cooperation, particularly in aviation and infrastructure projects that are reshaping Rwanda’s position as a regional hub in Africa.
One of the most significant areas of cooperation remains the aviation sector. Qatar Airways is expected to finalize the acquisition of a 49 percent stake in RwandAir, a move seen as a major boost for Rwanda’s national carrier and its ambitions to expand globally. Qatar also maintains a 60 percent stake in the construction and development of the Bugesera International Airport project, one of Rwanda’s largest infrastructure investments.
President Kagame’s visit follows a series of high-level diplomatic engagements between the two countries. In November 2025, Kagame traveled to Doha to participate in the World Summit for Social Development. Later that same month, the Emir of Qatar visited Kigali, further strengthening bilateral relations.
In April 2026, President Kagame also sent a special written message to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani through Rwanda’s Minister of Internal Security, Dr. Vincent Biruta, highlighting continued diplomatic coordination between the two governments.
During their discussions in Doha, President Kagame and the Emir also addressed security and political developments affecting their respective regions. The leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and international cooperation in a period marked by growing global uncertainty.
The visit comes as conflict continues in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where fighting between the AFC/M23 movement freedom fighters against Congolese government forces and FDLR genocidaires has continued to create instability near Rwanda’s borders.
At the same time, Qatar continues to navigate the broader regional tensions linked to the escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
President Kagame expressed Rwanda’s solidarity with the people of Qatar and emphasized the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and strategic partnerships in addressing regional and global challenges.
Analysts say the continued strengthening of ties between Rwanda and Qatar reflects a broader shift toward deeper cooperation between African nations and Gulf states in areas including trade, infrastructure, aviation, diplomacy, and security.
