Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has pledged to strengthen Turkey’s cooperation with Rwanda, particularly in the military industry, during a telephone conversation with President Paul Kagame.
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Erdoğan Discusses Military Cooperation with Kagame
President Kagame held a telephone conversation with President Erdoğan on Thursday, August 27, 2026, focusing on bilateral relations, economic cooperation and regional security issues.
According to the Turkish Presidency, Erdoğan said trade and investment relations between Turkey and Rwanda continue to grow. He also emphasized that Turkey would maintain cooperation with Rwanda in various sectors, especially in military industries.
Erdoğan’s remarks highlight the growing security and defence relationship between the two countries, alongside their existing cooperation in economic and development sectors.
Turkey Supports Dialogue Between Rwanda and DRC
The two leaders also discussed tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Erdoğan praised efforts aimed at reducing tensions and said Turkey supports dialogue as a way of resolving disputes between the two countries.
He expressed support for efforts to end conflicts in the region and find lasting solutions to issues affecting Rwanda and the DRC.
Rwanda and Turkey Strengthen Bilateral Relations
Rwanda and Turkey have continued to expand their relations in several areas, including trade, investment, education, culture, energy, research and security.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries strengthened after Rwanda opened its embassy in Ankara in 2013, followed by Turkey opening its embassy in Kigali in 2014.
Since then, cooperation between the two countries has expanded, particularly in trade and investment.
Bilateral trade, which was valued at about $1 million in the early 2000s, has grown significantly and is now approaching $500 million.
Military and Technology Cooperation Expands
Military cooperation has also become an increasingly important part of Rwanda–Turkey relations.
During President Kagame’s official visit to Turkey in January 2025, Rwanda and Turkey signed several agreements covering areas such as media and communications, civil aviation accident and incident investigation, radio and television, and military technology.
At the time, President Kagame said the agreements demonstrated the commitment of both countries to identifying and pursuing new opportunities for cooperation.
President Erdoğan also described Kagame’s visit as another step toward strengthening relations between Rwanda and Turkey.
