Kinyarwanda
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President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame Arrive in Türkiye for Official Visit
Ankara-Turkey: On Wednesday, President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame landed in Ankara to kick off a crucial two-day official visit aimed at enhancing the diplomatic and economic relationships between Rwanda and Turkey.
A key moment of the visit will be President Kagame's meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Thursday. This encounter will include a private conversation, followed by a bilateral session with their delegations. The leaders are also anticipated to share insights from their discussions at a joint press conference, highlighting essential issues impacting both countries.
Alongside these meetings, President Kagame and the First Lady will visit the Anıtkabir Memorial Tomb, a significant site commemorating Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first President of Türkiye. This act represents profound respect for Türkiye’s history and its pivotal leaders. Subsequently, the Rwandan delegation will be treated to a State Dinner, offering a chance for enhanced cultural exchange and dialogue.
Recent Tragedy in Türkiye
This visit comes shortly after President Kagame extended his heartfelt condolences to President Erdoğan and the citizens of Türkiye in light of a devastating incident. A tragic fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu claimed the lives of 79 people during a peak holiday period when the hotel was hosting at least 234 guests. In response to the tragedy, President Erdoğan announced that an investigation has been initiated, emphasizing that those found negligent will face accountability.
In a show of solidarity on X (formerly Twitter), President Kagame expressed, "I offer my sincere condolences to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the citizens of Türkiye over the tragic loss of life in the catastrophic fire at the Bolu ski resort. Our thoughts are with the grieving families and everyone impacted by this tragedy. We also wish a swift recovery to those who were injured."
This official visit showcases Rwanda’s commitment to enhancing diplomatic ties with Türkiye, emphasizing collaboration in areas like trade, investment, and cultural exchange. As both nations strive to strengthen their partnership, this visit marks progress toward a solid relationship that can benefit their citizens.
Through these interactions, Rwanda and Türkiye are creating an environment for constructive dialogue to tackle shared challenges and discover new collaboration opportunities. The visit is anticipated to lay the groundwork for future initiatives that will foster the growth and advancement of both countries.
