Airline ushers in new economic relations between Rwanda and Turkey
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Louise Mushikiwabo has said that the flights between Kigali and Istanbul will usher in a new chapter in the economic relations between Rwanda and Turkey.
The Minister made the remarks yesterday at the launch of the Turkish Airlines. The Turkish Boeing 737-800 touched ground at Kigali International Airport in Kanombe.
Mushikiwabo said that what has been launched is beyond airline operations and called it a milestone towards strong cooperation because Turkey and Rwanda share a lot, especially the ambition to grow the economy and its people.
The airline plans to make three weekly flights between Kigali and Istanbul. Rwanda expects to learn from the expertise of the Turkish people in various fields including construction, Information Technology and energy.
The Kigali route is the airline’s 20th in Africa, joining the giant airliner’s global network that currently spans 190 destinations. Turkish Airlines already has operations in Uganda and Kenya in the region.
Commenting on the growing business ties between the two countries, Mushikiwabo said that a Turkish investor interested in generating electricity from peat has been in the country and negotiations are at an advanced stage.
“We want to benefit from this route as Turkish investors explore the Rwandan market. Rwandans should also see what to offer to that market,” Mushikiwabo told the media.
The launch of the airline was also witnessed by a visiting delegation of 30 Turkish government officials and business people.
In his comment, the President and CEO of Turkish Airlines Dr. Temel Kotil said that they are going to connect Kigali, not only to Istanbul, but also to 72 other destinations in Europe, including Russia, the Far East and many other parts of the world.
A Turkish businessman, Ahmet Kunt Saganak, said he expects to explore interesting areas for investment after holding various meetings.
The direct flight by Turkish Airline will see 70 tones of local products exported to Turkey thrice a week, a move that would boost trade between the two countries. The quantity of exports is expected to rise in the near future.
Rwanda has seen the aviation industry triple over the last 15 years and government is committed to building a vibrant aviation sector that facilitates growth.
Turkish Airline is the third to enter the country’s aviation market this year following South African Airways and Qatar Airways. These joined Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Air Uganda and Rwanda’s national carrier, RwandaAir.
