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President Kagame Receives Letters of Credence from Japanese and Qatari Ambassadors
President Paul Kagame on Wednesday received letters of credence from two newly appointed ambassadors to Rwanda, representing Japan and the State of Qatar, both of whom pledged to further strengthen bilateral relations with Rwanda.
The ambassadors officially presented their credentials to President Kagame during a ceremony held in the afternoon of January 14, 2026.
The newly accredited Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda, Kazuya Nakajo, said his mission will focus on deepening the long-standing partnership between the two countries, particularly in knowledge exchange, trade, and investment.
“I am committed to expanding Rwanda–Japan cooperation across various sectors, including the economy, trade, culture, and knowledge sharing between our people,” Ambassador Nakajo said.
Rwanda and Japan already enjoy strong cooperation in several areas, including development, education, technology, health, trade, investment, and diplomatic engagement, among others.
President Kagame also received credentials from Mansour Ali Fahad Al-Shahwani Al-Hajri, the new Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Rwanda, who will be based in Kigali. Ambassador Al-Hajri succeeds Misfer bin Faisal Al-Shahwani, who passed away in July 2024.
He stated that Qatar remains committed to advancing cooperation with Rwanda, particularly in development, investment, and infrastructure.
“At this stage, we are focusing on completing major investment projects already underway, including the construction of the new Kigali International Airport and other initiatives in the aviation sector,” he said.
Rwanda and Qatar have enjoyed diplomatic relations for over 20 years, evolving from traditional cooperation into what leaders from both countries describe as a brotherly partnership.
Since 2023, Qatar has also played a key mediation role in peace efforts between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In March 2025, Qatar facilitated a high-level meeting between President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi.
To further reinforce bilateral relations, leaders from both countries have exchanged high-level visits. Most recently, the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, paid a two-day official visit to Rwanda in November 2025.
During the visit, President Kagame publicly presented the Amir with a cow, a traditional Rwandan symbol of friendship, respect, and mutual appreciation.
