President Paul Kagame has received the letters of credence of newly appointed ambassadors of Japan and the State of Qatar, formally accrediting them to represent their countries in Rwanda.
The ceremony took place on the evening of Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Village Urugwiro, according to a statement shared by the Office of the President.
The ambassadors are Kazuya Nakajo of Japan and Mansour Ali Fahad Al-Shahwani Al-Hajri of Qatar. Their accreditation marks the start of their official diplomatic missions in Kigali.
The two envoys had earlier met the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, on December 15, 2025, ahead of the formal presentation of their credentials.
Deepening Rwanda–Japan cooperation
Rwanda and Japan maintain long-standing bilateral relations, particularly in development cooperation. Japan opened its embassy in Kigali in 2010, strengthening ties that had already been built through high-level visits between leaders of both countries.
Japan has supported Rwanda in key sectors including water and sanitation, education, and agriculture, contributing to infrastructure development and community livelihoods.
Strategic partnership with Qatar
Rwanda’s partnership with Qatar has expanded steadily over the years, driven largely by economic and investment cooperation. In November 2025, Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, paid a two-day official visit to Rwanda aimed at reinforcing bilateral relations, especially in trade, investment, and diplomacy.
The Emir had earlier visited Rwanda in 2019, when the two countries signed cooperation agreements covering culture, sports, and tourism.
A flagship project in Rwanda–Qatar relations is the construction of the Bugesera International Airport, valued at about USD 2 billion. The airport is expected to become one of the most modern aviation hubs in East Africa.
Qatar Airways, which owns 60% of RwandAir, is a key partner in the airport project, which is expected to significantly boost air traffic, regional connectivity, and Rwanda’s ambition to become an aviation hub in the region.
