The meeting was also attended by Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, and the Deputy Secretary-General of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), Brig. Gen. Jean Paul Nyirubutama.
Rwanda and Qatar enjoy strong diplomatic ties across various sectors, including security. The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) regularly sends its personnel to Qatar for aviation training. On January 15, 2025, Rwanda and Qatar signed an agreement focused on training RDF personnel, sharing knowledge, and enhancing aviation expertise.
The agreement was signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defense, Brig. Gen. Célestin Kanyamahanga, and Sheikh Jabor Bin Hamad Al Thani, head of Qatar Aviation College.
Shortly after, Rwanda's Inspector General of Police, CG Felix Namuhoranye, led a delegation on a three-day working visit to Qatar.
During his visit, CG Namuhoranye attended the graduation ceremony for junior officers at the Qatar Police Academy in Doha, presided over by Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The Inspector General of Police also visited a specialized training centre focused on emergency response and rescue operations.
Rwanda and Qatar also collaborate in investment promotion and protection, economic and trade cooperation, technology, and tourism.
Qatar is a key partner in Rwanda's aviation sector, particularly in the Bugesera International Airport project, where Qatar Airways holds a 60% stake. Discussions are also ongoing regarding Qatar Airways acquiring a 49% stake in RwandAir.
In April 2019, Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, visited Rwanda to strengthen bilateral relations, following President Kagame's two-day visit to Qatar in November 2018.
In June 2022, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani returned to Rwanda as a guest of honour at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali.
In February 2024, President Kagame paid a working visit to Qatar, followed by another visit in December 2024 to attend the Qatar Grand Prix, the penultimate race of the Formula 1 season.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/president-kagame-hosts-qatari-minister-for-bilateral-talks
