The Government of Qatar has sent 15 tonnes of medical supplies to Rwanda, fulfilling a promise that the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani made on Monday.

The Emir had directed his government to quickly deliver medical equipment to Rwanda and other countries to support the country’s efforts to fight the #COVIDー19 pandemic.

Besides Rwanda, other countries to receive the consignment of assorted supplies from the Gulf nation include Algeria, Tunisia and Nepal.

Rwanda’s Ambassador to Qatar, Francois Nkulikiyimfura, confirmed to The New Times that the pledge by the Qatari ruler was loaded on Qatar Airways plane on Tuesday night, scheduled to reach Kigali the following morning.

The supplies are expected to be received Wednesday morning by officials including health minister Dr Daniel Ngamije.

“Medical goods have just been loaded on the B777 en route to Kigali. The cargo flight will arrive early in the morning,”  Nkulikiyimfura said.

The supplies include personal protective equipment (PPEs) including masks, gloves, and testing kits.

Rwanda and Qatar enjoy good relations.

Qatar Government through Qatar Airways acquired a stake in the upcoming airport in Bugesera district and confirmed earlier this year that it was in the advanced stages of negotiations to acquire a 49 per cent stake in RwandAir.

The two countries also collaborate in other areas including fighting corruption.