On the evening of 22^nd July 2018, President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan of China arrived in Rwanda for two-day state visit.

The visiting President was received by his Rwandan counterpart, President Paul Kagame, and First Lady Jeannette Kagame accompanied by top government officials.

President Xi Jinping conveyed the greetings of the Chinese people to the people of Rwanda, “I wish to take this opportunity to convey the sincere greetings and best wishes of the Chinese people to the people of Rwanda,” President Xi said in a statement.

“Under the leadership of President Kagame, Rwanda has embarked on a path of development suited to its realities, achieved long-term social stability and fast economic growth, and is enjoying increasing influence in the region and beyond”, President Xi noted.

On the second day of the visit, President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan were received at Village Urugwiro by President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame.

President Xi inspected a guard of honour before holding bilateral talks with President Kagame.

The two Heads of State held bilateral talks and addressed a joint press conference after witnessing the signing of bilateral agreements.

President Paul Kagame and Chinese President Xi Jinping have said that cooperation between the two countries is set to improve going forward building on the signed bilateral agreements.

On the sidelines of their meeting, Mrs. Kagame, who is the Chairperson of Imbuto Foundation, received First Lady Peng Liyuan, for a presentation of the Foundation’s programmes in health, education, youth and women empowerment, and to discuss common socio-economic development interests.

The two countries signed 15 bilateral memorandum of understandings (MoUs) and agreements. The agreements include visa exemption for diplomatic and service passport holders, culture and scientific operation and Silk Road Economic Belt cooperation.

Other agreements signed include those aimed at strengthening cooperation in investment in e-commerce, cooperation in civil air transport, law enforcement cooperation and human resource development cooperation.

“I look forward to more cooperation and deepening of our bilateral relationships in different fields of development, working together not only bilaterally but also on the global scene and supporting cooperation between China and Africa. The signing of bilateral agreements speaks for itself for what is possible between our two countries and between China and the continent of Africa,” President Kagame said, speaking at a luncheon hosted in the honour of the visiting President.

He added that the sustainability of growing ties between the two countries was hinged on mutual respect and interest.

“More generally, China relates to Africa as an equal. We see ourselves as a people on the road to prosperity. China’s actions demonstrate that you see us in the same way. This is a revolutionary posture in world affairs and it is more precious than money,” he said.

Noting that the national characters and determination of the two nations was shaped by historical suffering endured, he noted that it’s important to see common similarities to further build on partnership.

“If we are able to recognize ourselves in each other even in our most tragic chapters, it means that we will be firm friends and partners in the best of times as well,” President Kagame said.

President Xi Jinping welcomed the strengthening of ties and partnership between the two countries.

He said that Rwanda, being part of his first overseas trip since his election, was proof of the importance his country attaches to the partnership.

He also congratulated President Kagame and Rwandans for successfully achieving stability.

“This is my first overseas trip since my election and Rwanda is an important stop. I have seen a country that is enjoying stability. I extend to President Kagame and people of Rwanda our heartfelt congratulations,” President Xi noted.

He also welcomed Rwanda’s participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative as well as President Kagame’s efforts to foster integration across the continent.

Speaking at the luncheon, President Xi said that they look forward to continue working with the rest of the continent for mutual benefit.

President Xi later met the Chinese business community in Rwanda as the First Lady visited Fawe Girls School.

The delegation also visited Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay respects to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The visit has been hailed by Rwandans and Chinese citizens as a proof of strong partnership and ties.

-ENDS-