Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have discussed strengthening defence and security cooperation as tensions persist in the Great Lakes region, particularly between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The two leaders held a telephone conversation on August 28, 2026, according to the Turkish Presidency.
Their discussions covered bilateral relations, with particular attention to security cooperation, as well as trade and investment ties between Rwanda and Türkiye.
Erdoğan said trade and investment relations between the two countries were developing positively and expressed Türkiye’s intention to continue expanding cooperation with Rwanda in various sectors.
Defence cooperation was among the areas highlighted during the conversation, with Erdoğan pointing to collaboration in the defence industry, including military equipment and defence-related capabilities.
The two presidents also discussed the security situation in the Great Lakes region, including the tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.
Erdoğan welcomed efforts by Rwanda and the DRC to reduce tensions and commended the positions taken by both sides in seeking a peaceful solution.
The Turkish president reiterated Türkiye’s support for dialogue and efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.
The conversation comes as diplomatic efforts continue to address the security crisis in eastern DRC, with Rwanda and the DRC involved in initiatives seeking a lasting solution to the conflict.
The discussion also highlights the expanding partnership between Rwanda and Türkiye, which includes cooperation in trade, investment, security and other areas of development.
