On July 22, the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda hosted a reception celebrating the 99th Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Gao Wenqi, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, and Senior Captain (Navy) Li Dayi, Defence Attaché of the Embassy, attended the event. Also present were Major General Alex Kagame, Chief of Staff of the Reserve Forces of the Rwanda Defence Force, Brigadier General Patrick Karuretwa, Director General of International Military Cooperation of the Ministry of Defence of Rwanda, as well as around 200 senior military and government officials and representatives from all walks of life.
In his remarks, Senior Captain (Navy) Li Dayi stated that the PLA will uphold the absolute leadership of the Communist Party of China, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping’s Thought on Strengthening the Military, and deliver on the centenary goal of building a strong military as scheduled. He emphasized that China has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of the international order. He declared China’s resolve to firmly safeguard national reunification and resolutely oppose “Taiwan independence”. He noted that China and Rwanda will make greater contributions to maintaining regional and international peace and stability and advancing the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.
Major General Kagame said in his speech that achievements of the PLA have attracted worldwide attention and the time-honored traditional friendship between China and Rwanda runs deep. He expressed sincere gratitude to China for its long-standing support for Rwanda’s national defence development. Rwanda stands ready to further expand and enrich bilateral military-to-military cooperation, forge trustworthy partnerships, and contribute more to regional and international peace and stability.
Guests extended congratulations on the 99th anniversary of the founding of the PLA, spoke positively of China’s achievements in national defense and military modernization, and highly commended important contributions made by the PLA to safeguarding world peace.