On the evening of January 12th, the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda held a reception celebrating the Chinese New Year of the Rabbit. More than 200 people from all walks of life in Rwanda, diplomatic corps, representatives of Chinese communities attended the event. H.E. Mr. Wang Xuekun, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, and Hon. Dr. Vincent Biruta, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Rwanda delivered speeches during the event.
Ambassador Wang Xuekun first wished guests all the best in the coming year of the Rabbit. He said that the past year is a year of significance for the Communist Party of China (CPC) and China. The Party successfully convened its 20th National Congress and elected a new CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core. The Congress drew an ambitious blueprint for building a modern socialist country in all respects through a Chinese path to modernization, making a clear call for all Chinese people on forging ahead on a new journey. The Ambassador then briefed the guests on the achievements of Chinese domestic development, foreign relations in general, and cooperation with Africa.
The Ambassador said, the past year also witnessed fruitful cooperation between China and Rwanda in various sectors, including trade, infrastructure, agriculture, technology, health, education, and culture. Projects including Masaka Hospital, Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant, “Smart Education” are all gaining momentum. On the 5th China International Import Expo, coffee, dried-chili and other Made in Rwanda products caught attention of millions of Chinese customers, further advancing bilateral agriculture and trade cooperation. He hoped in the coming new year both sides will work together to make new contribution to China-Rwanda relations and the peace of the world.
Hon. Dr. Vincent Biruta, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Rwanda, on behalf of the Government of Rwanda, wished the Chinese people a happy New Year and China prosperity. The Minister said that Rwanda-China relations has advanced into a great friendship and yielded countless initiatives between two sides since the establishment of the ties in 1971. Rwanda considers China as a strong partner that has contributed to the socio-economic development of Rwanda in various sectors that are key priorities areas including infrastructure, health, energy and education. China is now one of the top trading partners of Rwanda. Rwanda appreciates and commends the collaboration with China on a number of issues of mutual interest at multilateral level. Important frameworks such as FOCAC have been very instrumental in supporting Africa’s development efforts and Rwanda’s in particular. The Government of Rwanda is committed to working closely with the Government of China for the development of the countries and for the search of solution to global challenges.
Mainstream local media including RBA, the Newtimes, Kigali Today and Igihe.com covered the event.