Türkiye’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Aslan Alper Yüksel, expressed support for Rwanda’s plans to host Formula 1 in Africa, while highlighting expanding cooperation between the two countries in trade, investment, education and security.
Speaking during a reception marking the 103rd anniversary of Türkiye’s Republic Day at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Kigali on October 29, Yüksel praised Rwanda’s development ambitions and its efforts to bring Formula 1 racing back to Africa.
“I congratulate the relevant Rwandan authorities on bringing Formula One back to Africa,” he said.
Rwanda signed a 10-year agreement with Formula 1 on October 13, 2026, to host the African Grand Prix in Bugesera, with the first race expected in the early 2030s once a purpose-built circuit is completed.
The event would mark the return of Formula 1 to Africa for the first time since the South African Grand Prix in 1993.
Yüksel also commended Rwanda’s development vision, drawing on his experience serving as Türkiye’s ambassador in Kigali for more than three years.
“Having served in Kigali for more than three years now, let me emphasise that I am very much impressed by Rwanda’s forward-looking vision and commitment to further progress,” he said.
The ambassador highlighted growing cooperation between Rwanda and Türkiye in trade, investment, defence, security, education and political consultations.
He pointed to development projects supported by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, cultural programmes organised by the Yunus Emre Institute and training initiatives involving Turkish institutions, including the Turkish National Police.
Yüksel also cited Turkish Airlines’ daily direct flights between Kigali and Istanbul and engagement between the two countries’ space agencies as examples of their expanding partnership.
He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to promoting peace, security and stability through dialogue and diplomatic cooperation.
Speaking at the same event, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Usta Kaitesi, said more than 25 Turkish companies had invested in Rwanda, particularly in construction, energy and infrastructure.
Kaitesi encouraged further Turkish investment and trade, emphasising the importance of partnerships that create jobs, strengthen professional skills and promote knowledge transfer.
Turkish companies have contributed to several major infrastructure projects in Rwanda, including the construction of the Kigali Convention Centre and BK Arena, as well as the renovation of Amahoro Stadium.
The minister said President Paul Kagame’s visit to Türkiye in January 2025 had strengthened bilateral relations. During the visit, the two countries signed four cooperation agreements covering defence industries, broadcasting, media and civil aviation accident investigation.
She also highlighted the second round of Rwanda-Türkiye political consultations, held in Türkiye in 2026, as an opportunity to review progress and identify additional areas of cooperation.
Kaitesi noted that direct flights between Kigali and Istanbul had strengthened business, tourism and connections between citizens of the two countries.
She welcomed Türkiye’s scholarship programmes for Rwandan students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies, highlighting their contribution to education and skills development.
Rwanda also identified agriculture, mining, information and communication technology, and renewable energy as sectors offering further opportunities for cooperation with Türkiye.
The Republic Day reception brought together Rwandan and Turkish officials, diplomats, representatives of international organisations and members of the Turkish community in Rwanda.
Türkiye celebrates Republic Day annually on October 29, commemorating the proclamation of the republic in 1923 under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the country’s first president.
RADIOTV10