Rwanda and Türkiye signed four cooperation agreements on Thursday, January 23, aimed at strengthening their bilateral relations.
The agreements were formalized during a ceremony in Ankara, presided over by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The deals include a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Secretariat of Defense Industries of the Presidency of Türkiye and Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence, as well as an MoU between the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) and the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation to enhance collaboration in media.
Other agreements include cooperation on civil aircraft accident and serious incident investigations and an MoU on media and communications.
Speaking at the event, President Kagame highlighted the significance of the agreements in fostering deeper collaboration and emphasized Rwanda’s openness to partnering with more Turkish businesses. He also acknowledged Türkiye’s contributions, such as the recent renovation of Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
“Rwanda remains open to welcoming even more Turkish companies. There is certainly a lot we can do together and learn from one another,” Kagame said.
President Erdoğan praised Rwanda’s political stability, economic development, and the visionary leadership of President Kagame.
“Rwanda is an exemplary African country. Without a doubt, my treasured friend Kagame’s leadership plays an important role in this success,” Erdoğan said, noting that the opening of the two countries’ embassies in 2013 and 2014 marked a turning point in their relations.
Erdoğan highlighted Türkiye’s growing ties with Rwanda, citing current investments totaling nearly $500 million and a trade volume that has grown significantly from $1 million in the early 2000s.
The two leaders also discussed plans to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, energy, education, culture, defense, and research and development sectors.
“This visit marks a new milestone in deepening our partnership,” Erdoğan concluded.