Ambassador Yuksel emphasizes mutual growth in Türkiye-Rwanda relations

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Rwanda underscores mutual growth and cooperation, citing Rwanda’s stability as an example for the continent

“Türkiye’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Aslan Alper Yuksel, lauded the bilateral relations between Türkiye and Rwanda as ‘excellent,’ emphasizing notable advancements across various sectors in the decade following the opening of the Kigali Embassy.”

Yuksel, in a statement to an Anadolu correspondent, pointed out the existing political will in both countries to further enhance bilateral relations, expressing hope that mutual high-level visits would accelerate the progress of relations.

‘Rwanda’s stability sets an example for the continent’

Yuksel highlighted Rwanda’s resilience following the 1994 genocide, which claimed 1 million lives, saying, “(Rwanda) is an example for the continent with the stability and progress it has achieved in the last 30 years.” Rwanda is a success story in East Africa.”

Yuksel underscored Türkiye’s commitment to bolster cooperation with Rwanda, aligning with mutual interests and fostering the nation’s capacity-building endeavors. He articulated, “Our support for Rwandan students through Türkiye Scholarships, facilitated by Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), alongside professional training and courses extended by our Ministry’s Diplomacy Academy and other institutions to Rwandan diplomats, bureaucrats, and officials, stand as prioritized initiatives. Our Maarif Foundation is also preparing to provide education in Rwanda based on the agreement signed last year.”

“Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) has previously contributed through the UN Development Program, and this year we are working with TIKA on projects that will directly contribute. The Yunus Emre Institute provides Turkish language education at the University of Rwanda. These are tangible indicators of the importance we attach to Rwanda,” he added.

Yuksel also shed light on notable business endeavors spearheaded by Turkish entrepreneurs in Rwanda, citing projects such as the construction of the Africa CEO Forum’s conference center by a Turkish company, as well as the development of sports facilities, university campuses, and public infrastructure in Kigali.

Additionally, he highlighted Turkish Airlines’ provision of daily flights to Rwanda. Yuksel further noted the acknowledgment from major Turkish construction and infrastructure firms regarding Rwanda’s conducive investment climate.

Rwanda excels at combating corruption

Inviting Turkish businesspeople to Rwanda for the development of mutual trade, Ambassador Yuksel underlined Rwanda’s high ranking in the Africa Corruption Perception Index, its high economic growth rate, ease of doing business, bureaucratic discipline, and financial discipline, making it an attractive place for business.

Yuksel also mentioned opportunities in sectors beyond infrastructure and construction, expecting increased interest in Rwanda in the coming period, including agriculture and clean energy, as well as export opportunities in textiles, food, furniture, and machinery.

Source: AA