President Paul Kagame has concluded a two-day visit to Oman that produced eight cooperation agreements, plans to establish permanent embassies in Kigali and Muscat, and a renewed push to expand trade and investment between the two countries.
Kagame visited Oman from September 7 to 8, 2026, at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Oman’s head of state.
During the visit, Kagame and Sultan Haitham held talks on strengthening bilateral relations and broadening cooperation in investment, transport, energy, mining, tourism, logistics, telecommunications, banking and finance.
The two leaders also stressed the importance of stronger links between the public and private sectors and increased trade between Rwanda and Oman.
Eight agreements signed
The visit resulted in the signing of eight agreements and cooperation instruments covering a range of areas.
Among them were agreements providing visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic, official and special passports. The measure does not apply to ordinary passport holders.
Rwanda and Oman also signed an agreement aimed at preventing double taxation of individuals and companies operating in the two countries.
Six other cooperation instruments cover political consultations, labour, transport and inland port development, agriculture, investment promotion, strategic cooperation and efforts to attract joint investment.
The agreements are expected to create a more favourable environment for businesses and investors from both countries and strengthen institutional cooperation.
Permanent embassies planned
One of the key outcomes of the visit was an agreement by Rwanda and Oman to establish permanent embassies in each other’s capitals.
The move is expected to strengthen diplomatic engagement and provide a permanent mechanism for following up on bilateral agreements and identifying new areas of cooperation.
The two countries also agreed to establish a joint committee and a joint business council to coordinate cooperation between government institutions and the private sector.
They further agreed to develop a technical cooperation programme aimed at strengthening capacity and supporting the implementation of joint projects and agreements.
The leaders welcomed progress already made in areas including transport, telecommunications and information and communication technology.
Kagame tours cultural and agricultural sites
During his stay in Salalah, Kagame visited the Frankincense Land Museum, where he was briefed on Oman’s history, culture and heritage.
He also toured Royal Razat, where he observed modern agricultural and livestock activities and was briefed on the use of technology and infrastructure to increase production.
The site also combines agricultural activities with tourism, an approach known as agritourism.
The two leaders exchanged gifts during the visit. Kagame presented Sultan Haitham with a traditional Rwandan walking stick decorated with beads, while the Omani ruler presented Kagame with a traditional sword associated with the history and heritage of the Al Bu Said dynasty.
Security and regional peace on the agenda
The talks also covered regional and international security issues of mutual interest.
Kagame and Sultan Haitham reaffirmed their support for dialogue and peaceful approaches to resolving conflicts, in line with international law.
Kagame commended Oman for its role in promoting dialogue and peaceful solutions to regional conflicts, while Sultan Haitham acknowledged Rwanda’s contribution to regional security and efforts to pursue peaceful solutions through dialogue, particularly in the Great Lakes region.
Sultan Haitham invited to Rwanda
At the end of the visit, Kagame thanked Sultan Haitham and the Omani leadership for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation.
He also invited Sultan Haitham to visit Rwanda, setting the stage for continued high-level engagement between the two countries.
The visit marks a significant step in Rwanda-Oman relations, with both sides seeking to move beyond traditional diplomatic ties and build a broader economic partnership centred on trade, investment, transport, agriculture, technology and other areas of development.
