Details of the conversation were released by the Turkish Presidency on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
President Erdoğan said trade and investment relations between Rwanda and Turkey continue to grow, adding that Ankara would maintain and strengthen cooperation with Kigali across various sectors, particularly in the defence industry.
He also welcomed ongoing efforts aimed at easing tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, saying Turkey supports dialogue as a means of resolving the challenges facing the two countries.
Erdoğan expressed support for efforts aimed at reducing tensions and finding lasting solutions to the issues affecting relations between Rwanda and the DRC.
The telephone conversation comes as Rwanda and Turkey continue to strengthen their partnership in several areas, including trade, investment, security and defence cooperation.
Relations between the two countries cover a wide range of sectors, including trade, investment, education, culture, energy, research and security.
Diplomatic relations have grown significantly since Rwanda opened its embassy in Ankara in 2013, followed by Turkey’s opening of an embassy in Kigali in 2014.
Over the years, cooperation between the two countries has continued to expand, particularly in trade and investment. Bilateral trade, which stood at around $1 million in the early 2000s, has since grown to nearly $500 million.
During President Kagame’s working visit to Turkey in January 2025, Rwanda and Turkey signed several cooperation agreements covering areas including media and communications, investigations into civil aviation accidents and serious incidents, radio and television, as well as military technology.
At the time, President Kagame said the agreements reflected the commitment of both countries to continue exploring new areas of cooperation.
President Erdoğan also described Kagame’s visit as another important step in strengthening relations between Turkey and Rwanda, as the two countries continue to deepen their political, economic and strategic partnership.
