China's President in Rwanda for a State visit

Jul 23, 2018

'Since the establishment of their diplomatic relations 47 years ago, China and Rwanda have treated each other as equals with sincerity and friendship'

(Right-left) President Paul Kagame, China's Xi, Peng Liyuan and Jeannette Kagame at Urugwiro Village in Rwanda's capital Kigali

CHINA-RWANDA BILATERAL RELATIONS

The President of China Xi Jinpin is in Rwanda's capital Kigali for a two day state visit to the country. Xi who was flanked by his wife Peng Liyuan was received yesterday by President Paul Kagame and his wife his wife Jeannette Kagame.

The Chinese president arrived in Kigali after finishing his State visit to Senegal. According to the statement from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of People's Republic of China, the president on arrival said he had felt the friendship of the Rwandan government and the people towards the Chinese people soon as he set foot on the country's soil.

"Since the establishment of their diplomatic relations 47 years ago, China and Rwanda have treated each other as equals with sincerity and friendship, Xi said, adding that bilateral ties have undergone healthy and steady development," read part of the statement.

The statement highlighted that Xi recalled that during Kagame's visit to China in March 2017, where they had an in-depth exchange of views on advancing bilateral ties and cooperation of mutual benefits. He said their consensus has seen comprehensive implementation.

Visit expectations

Xi's visit follows the last week's visit by Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi to the same country, which was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between two states. Nyusi is said to have visited Kigali Genocide Memorial and Klab tech incubation Centre among other areas.

According to the statement, the Chinese president said he expects to have deep discussions with Kagame, who is also the rotating chairman of the African Union, on China-Rwanda ties, China-Africa cooperation and other regional and international issues of common concern.

Kagame extended warm welcome to Xi on behalf of the Rwandan government and the people. He believed Xi's visit to Rwanda will further push forward the two countries' friendly co-operation.