Embassy of China in Rwanda Hosted the Farewell Ceremony for the 22nd China Medical Team in Rwanda
2022/12/29

On December 28th 2022, the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda hosted the ceremony dedicated to bidding farewell to the 22nd China Medical Team. H.E. Mr. WANG Xuekun, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Hon. Mr. Zachee IYAKAREMYE, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health of Rwanda attended the ceremony, along with Ms. XING Yuchun, Political Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, Mr. WANG Jiaxin, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, and members of the 22nd China Medical Team.

H. E. Ambassador WANG said, China and Rwanda enjoy a long-lasting friendship, cooperation in the fields of medical and health care demonstrates the two countries’ deep traditional friendship. The Chinese Government sent the first Chinese Medical Team to Rwanda in 1982. Over the last 40 years, the non-stop medical program is the significant bridge of unbreakable cooperation and fruitful partnership between the two countries. Ambassador WANG highly praised the efforts and contributions made by the 22nd China Medical Team, the team treated a large number of patients, performed operations under difficult conditions, and effectively carried out free medical treatment and drug assistance to help local people prevent and control the epidemic. As “envoys in white”, Chinese doctors have brought health to the Rwandan people, inherited friendship and contributed to the building of the China-Africa community with a shared future in health.

Permanent Secretary IYAKAREMYE on behalf of the Rwandan government and people expressed sincere gratitude for China’s consistent support to Rwanda in the fields of medical and health care during the last 40 years. He spoke highly of Rwanda-China health cooperation, saying that the China Medical Team Program is one of the most important cooperation in the field of health between the two countries. He believed bilateral tangible cooperation in various fields will surely push bilateral long-term friendly partnership to a higher level. To reward the 22nd China Medical Team, PS IYAKAREMYE, on behalf of the Ministry of Health of Rwanda, presented certificates of honor to each member of the 22nd China Medical Team.

The 22nd China Medical Team, composed of 15 members, was appointed by the Health Commission of China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and provided free medical service in hospitals of Masaka and Kibungo. The 23rd China Medical Team arrived in Kigali few days ago, are carrying out various preparation works.