On 8^th July 2019, Rwanda and friends of Rwanda joined together in Beijing to celebrate the 25^th national liberation anniversary.

Under the theme, ‘Together we prosper’, the event attracted friends of Rwanda and diplomatic envoys from Beijing and all over China.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Charles Kayonga reminded that “4^th July, is a day we pay homage to the gallant sons and daughters of Rwanda who paid the ultimate price, their life, for the freedom we enjoy. We also honor those still alive and who continue to serve their country with devotion.” He noted that the 100-day campaign to stop the genocide was a climax of nearly four years of the struggle whose aim was fundamental transformation of the Rwandan society.

Quoting the President of Rwanda, Kayonga repeated that the sacrifices made by Rwandans had not been in vain. He went on to elaborate the achievements the country has attained in the political and economic areas that have made Rwanda an example of national rejuvenation.

The guest of honor, Mr. Dai Bing, Director General of the Department of African Affairs of Chinese Foreign Ministry applauded Rwanda's transformation in twenty-five years after liberation.

“Rwanda is a country with important influence in central and eastern Africa. In recent years, under the leadership of President Kagame, the government and people of Rwanda have made vigorous efforts to promote national reconciliation and stability, grow the economy and improve people’s lives, and have scored remarkable achievements. We congratulate Rwanda on that, and sincerely wish the government and people of Rwanda still greater success on their way forward,” Dai Bing noted.

Mr. Bing further said that, President Xi Jinping historic visit to Rwanda last year charted the course for China-Rwanda relations in the new era.

“In September, President Kagame attended the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in his capacities as President of Rwanda and rotating Chairperson of the African Union. On the sidelines of the Summit, the two Heads of State had another meeting, which once again injected strong impetus to the growth of China-Rwanda and China-Africa relations,” said Dai Bing.

According to Ambassador Kayonga, Rwanda’s achievements in the last 25 years is attributed to the good leadership under H.E President Paul Kagame. “Our leadership has put the people at the center of the development effort. They are the factor behind development as well as beneficiaries of their effort”.

As part of the liberation week, Rwanda embassy in Beijing together with the Rwandan community in Beijing held different activities to commemorate the 25^th liberation anniversary.

Earlier on 4^th July, Rwandan community in Beijing gathered at the embassy to follow live the liberation Anniversary celebrations in Kigali. The event was followed by a football match between Diaspora Football Team and the China Association Team in Beijing.

At the embassy on 4^th July, while following live liberation celebrations, Ambassador Charles Kayonga, urged the youth, majority of who are students to follow the footsteps of those who gave their life for the love of their country in order to protect the gains of liberation and ensure the continuity of peace and development.

"Be patriotic, responsible, self-disciplined, and conscious and realize that you must be a player in your country's affairs in one way or another," Ambassador told the community.

Rwandan Community across China commemorated the 25^th liberation anniversary in their respective cities.

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