President Paul Kagame on Wednesday, January 14, received letters of credence from two newly accredited envoys to Rwanda. The envoys are Qatar’s Ambassador Mansour bin Ali Fahad Al-Shahwani Al-Hajri and Japan’s Ambassador Kazuya Nakajo. ALSO READ: New Qatari envoy to Kigali presents credentials Speaking to the reporters after presenting his credentials, Al-Hajri said his mission will focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation, with a strong emphasis on cultural exchange and the completion of ongoing investments. Qatar opened its embassy in Rwanda in 2021. “Qatar and Rwanda have a very special relationship at the highest level. Our discussion [with President Kagame] was about how to further strengthen that relationship and translate it into progress across different sectors,” he said. The diplomat noted that people-to-people relations will be a key priority during his tenure, describing cultural exchange as essential for long-term cooperation. Al-Hajri cited New Bugesera International Airport and cooperation in the aviation sector as flagship projects that will support future partnership between the two countries. He said his country is currently focused on completing existing projects before considering new investments. “Once those are completed, then we will start looking at other investments,” he said. ALSO READ: Kagame, Emir of Qatar highlight deepening ties after Kigali visit The $2 billion airport under construction is expected to strengthen Rwanda’s ambitions to become a regional air transport and logistics hub. Qatar Airways has invested in the project and will hold a 60 per cent stake. Beyond aviation, Rwanda and Qatar also cooperate in defence and security, investments and hospitality. Earlier this year, the Qatari government approved a draft agreement on a mutual visa waiver, granting visa-free entry to holders of Rwandan ordinary passports in a move aimed at boosting tourism. Japan’s Nakajo said economic and business cooperation featured prominently in his discussions with the President. “Thanks to the government and the leadership of President Kagame, the economic and business environment in this country has become number one on this continent. Given that situation, I will work to bring more Japanese businesses to Rwanda,” he said. Japan established its diplomatic mission in Rwanda in 2010, building on a long-standing relationship that began with the establishment of formal diplomatic ties in 1962. ALSO READ: How Rwanda and Japan have deepened diplomatic relations Over the years, their partnership has grown through development cooperation, high-level engagement, and people-to-people exchanges. Japan has supported Rwanda in infrastructure, energy, education, and technology, while both countries continue to strengthen economic, cultural, and business links. The Japanese envoy said widening people-to-people exchanges will also be a key focus of his tenure, including in business, culture and academia. “Knowing each other is the first step to creating a wider and stronger relationship between our two countries,” he said.
