At the close of a landmark visit by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, President Paul Kagame expressed deep gratitude and optimism for the trajectory of Rwanda–Qatar cooperation.
On social media, Kagame thanked his “brother and friend” for the Emir’s trip and for the “productive discussions we held,” noting that Rwanda places great value on both the “strong partnership” and the “personal friendship that continues to guide our cooperation.”
“We look forward to building on the progress made during this visit and advancing the shared priorities for the mutual benefit of our nations and people,” he added.
The gesture underscores Rwanda and Qatar’s rapidly deepening ties, especially in the aviation and infrastructure sectors. Qatar Airways holds a 60 percent stake in Rwanda’s new Bugesera International Airport, a project that has become central to Kigali’s ambition to grow into a regional aviation hub.
Likewise, the Emir’s visit comes as the finalization of a deal nears, in which Qatar Airways is expected to acquire 49 percent of RwandAir, Rwanda’s national airline. The partnership is seen as transformative, not just for expanding RwandAir’s fleet and route network, but for positioning Kigali as a central node in global and continental aviation.
Qatar Airways resumed flights to Kigali in June 2025, operating four weekly rotations between Doha and Kigali, a return that both nations view as a milestone in connectivity.The Bugesera airport, initially projected to open by 2026, has seen revised timelines; its expected launch now spans 2027–2028.
Kagame’s message signals a shared vision rooted in trust, long-term partnership, and economic transformation. It also reaffirms his administration’s dual strategy of leveraging high-level diplomacy while executing major infrastructure and aviation projects that serve Rwanda’s growth ambitions.
As Kigali and Doha deepen collaboration, the visit marks a point of consolidation in a relationship built on both friendship and forward-looking economic strategy.
