Doha: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will embark on state visits to the Republic of Rwanda and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, today.
H H the Amir will hold talks with the leaders of the two countries and senior officials on bilateral relations and means of enhancing them in various fields, in addition to a number of issues of common interest.
The visits will also witness the signing of a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding in a number of areas of cooperation.
H H the Amir will be accompanied by an official delegation.
The visit will further enhance the relation of Qatar with Nigeria and Rwanda.
The relationship between Nigeria and Qatar spans over several decades. Both countries are active members of various international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and many more.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 2010. The Embassy of the State of Qatar in Abuja was opened on December 16, 2013. Nigeria as well opened its diplomatic mission in Qatar with the arrival of Ambassador Shuaibu Ahmed in 2013.
The two countries hold similar views on international and regional issues and believe as well as advocate for peaceful means of resolving international disputes.
There are over 10,000 Nigerian expatriates living in Qatar who are working in different sectors including construction, energy, hospitality and health.
The high-level visits of officials from Qatar and Rwanda has strengthen relations between the two countries. The President of Rwanda and Chairman of the current session of the African Union, Paul Kagame, visited Doha in November 2018 for an official visit to the country. Several agreements were signed during the visit.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, met with Minister of Defence of the Republic of Rwanda, Albert Murasira, and his accompanying delegation in March 2018. The meeting focused on military ties and the ways to enhance them.
