On 04th November 2016, the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in collaboration with Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) held a celebration to mark the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Rwanda and China in Beijing. The celebration was well attended by Chinese Officials, Members of Diplomatic Corps, and the representatives from Chinese Enterprises and members of Rwandan Diaspora in China.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Rwanda, Hon. Louise Mushikiwabo who was the Guest of honor in her remarks praised the cooperation which has gone on for the last 45 years. Underpinned by a strong political base, since 1994, the cooperation between the two countries has deepened in all sectors. Louise Mushikiwabo related Rwanda’s Patriotic Front to Communist Party of China, both Parties having been born out of liberation struggles and both striving for sovereignty and fundamental changes for their respective populations. H. E Paul Kagame made the first official visit to China, in March 1994, less than a year after leading the liberation war and stopping the genocide against the Tutsi.

In her remarks, Ms. LIN Yi, the Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, said that both countries share similar vision for development including governance philosophy and similar historical experience. Furthermore, she reiterated that the bilateral relations between the two countries is characterized by constantly enhanced mutual political trust, fruitful achievements in economic and trade cooperation and remarkable results in cultural exchange.

The Political exchange between two countries remains the dominant feature of the cooperation and has taken place at the highest level. Earlier this year H.E Zhang Dejiang, Chairman of the National People’s Congress visited Rwanda, quickly followed by a delegation from the Communist Party of China and twice by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Zhang Ming. There have also been delegations of officials from Provincial Governments and Education Institutions.

Rwanda is benefiting from China through different projects including infrastructure, agriculture, public health, education and others. More recently, during the FOCAC Coordinators’ meeting held at the end of June this year, Rwanda and China signed the initial projects for cooperation within the context of the ten cooperation plans announced by President Xi Jinping during the Johannesburg Summit in December last year. These are the Kigali City 54 km road project and the extension of Masaka Hospital. Discussions are ongoing concerning additional projects including funding the Rwandan section of the East African Standard Gauge Railway and Special Economic Zones.

The colorful cultural troupe composed of Rwandan Students from Nanjing and Chinese Folk Singers entertained the audience.

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