On September 8, Ambassador Gao Wenqi attended and delivered remarks at the ground-breaking ceremony for China-aided 10-kilometer road project in Rwanda. Present at the event were Hon. Col Claudien Bizimungu, Minister of State of Infrastructure, Mr. Imena Munyampenda, DG of Rwanda Transport Development Agency, Mr. Virgile Rwanyagatare, DG for Asia, Pacific and Middle East Affairs in MINAFFET and Counsellor Gao Zhiqiang.

Ambassador Gao noted that the China-aided 10-kilometer road is a strategic project delivering on the important consensus reached by the two Heads of State, and outcomes of Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The project vividly demonstrates the depth and substance of China-Rwanda Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It will substantially cut transportation costs, boost economic growth, improve people’s livelihoods along the route, and cultivate high-caliber technical personnel via the Base's Luban Workshop for Rwanda, embodying the philosophy of “teaching one to fish”. This year marks the 55th anniversary of China-Rwanda relations and the 5th anniversary of the Global Development Initiative (GDI). Guided by the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, China will continue to advance practical cooperation with Rwanda across all fields and elevate the bilateral relationship to new heights.

Minister of State Bizimungu thanked China for its long-standing support for Rwanda’s economic and social transformation, especially its significant contributions to Rwanda’s infrastructure development. The Minister of State noted that Rwanda and China are good friends, good partners and good brothers. Rwanda stands ready to work closely with China to deliver the 10-kilometer road project with high quality and efficiency, upgrading and modernizing Rwanda's transport infrastructure.

Representatives from both sides jointly broke ground for the project at the ceremony.

The China-aided 10-kilometer road upgrading project officially broke ground on August 30 this year. Stretching 10.3 kilometers in total, it serves as a vital transport corridor linking Kigali City with the Eastern Province, Bugesera International Airport and east-bound seaports.