Africa -China Review Africa -China Cooperation and Transformation
By Staff Writer
Published: March 06,2024
Chinese ambassador to Rwanda H.E WANG Xuekun (Photo:Africa China Review)
The Chinese ambassador to Rwanda H.E WANG Xuekun has hailed the cordial bilateral relations between China and Rwanda describing it as; comprehensive, in-depth, constructive and congenial. The Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda made the comments during a press briefing held on Tuesday at his office in Kigali. The briefing also covered China’s foreign policy that focuses on building a community with a shared Future, the prevailing world political trends, the questions of Taiwan and Hong Kong, and many other issues including the Two sessions taking place in Beijing, advocating for a multipolar world and much more.
Over the last fifty years, China and Rwanda have cooperated in various fields including official visits by heads of states and government officials at all levels, education, agriculture, ICT, health among others. “In terms of education, universities in China and Rwanda have further deepened scientific research cooperation and talent training, established the Rwanda office of the Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, and are also preparing to set up multiple joint laboratories,” Wang said. China today is the preferred destination for hundreds of Rwandan students pursuing education in Chinese universities. Some Rwandan teachers are also teaching Kinyarwanda in China.
The practical cooperation between China and Rwanda has brought tangible benefits to the people of China and Rwanda, Ambassador Wang said. “Those roads, buildings, schools, and various professional facilities, including digital forensic laboratories, that have been put into use with the support of China have effectively supported Rwanda’s transformative development. The hydropower station, large hospital, new roads to be completed in the future, and long-term human resources training programs will also contribute to Rwanda’s greater development,” Wang noted.
China and Rwanda agreed to implement the important consensus reached by presidents Xi Jinping and Paul Kagame, to further enhance strategic mutual trust, deepen high-quality “Belt and Road” cooperation so as to push the friendly relations between the two countries to a new level, to achieve common development, and to build a community with a shared future for mankind.
It should be recalled that when Chinese president Xi Jinping visited Rwanda in July 2018, the two countries signed 15 bilateral memorandum of understandings (MoUs) and agreements. The agreements included visa exemption for diplomatic and service passport holders, culture and scientific operation and Silk Road Economic Belt cooperation. Other agreements signed include those aimed at strengthening cooperation in investment in e-commerce, cooperation in civil air transport, law enforcement cooperation and human resource development cooperation.
During the visit, president Kagame as the host said that, “I look forward to more cooperation and deepening of our bilateral relationships in different fields of development, working together not only bilaterally but also on the global scene and supporting cooperation between China and Africa. The signing of bilateral agreements speaks for itself for what is possible between our two countries and between China and the continent of Africa,” speaking at a luncheon hosted in the honour of the visiting Chinese President.
President Kagame also noted that the sustainability of growing ties between the two countries was hinged on mutual respect and interest. “More generally, China relates to Africa as an equal. We see ourselves as a people on the road to prosperity. China’s actions demonstrate that you see us in the same way. This is a revolutionary posture in world affairs and it is more precious than money,” he said.
In 2018, China and Rwanda signed an Economic and Technical Cooperation agreement, under which the Chinese Government pledged to provide 200 million RMB YUAN (about US$ 32 million) to undertake the Extension of Musanze Polytechnic and the drilling of 200 boreholes, as well as other agreed upon projects. Almost all these projects were completed on time.
A press briefing held on Tuesday at Chinese Embassy in Kigali ( Photo : Africa china Review)
During the Tuesday press briefing, Ambassador Wang revealed that Masaka Hospital in the suburbs of Kigali city will become one of the largest hospitals in Rwanda in the future. He further mentioned that in terms of people-to-people exchanges, Rwandans have resumed trips to China, and the number of visa applications has reached 70% of the pre- COVID period.
In terms of bilateral trade, Ambassador Wang informed that Last year, Rwanda’s exports to China hit a record high of 131 million USD, up by 87.149%. High-quality coffee, tea, and dried chili were among the main products that provided Chinese customers with excellent new choices. On the other hand, Rwanda has become a gateway for many Chinese companies to explore the market of East Africa and wider Africa. Some examples include Dongfeng Motors, RWK TV, one herbal medicine company, and a shoe factory, Ambassador Wang noted
On governance philosophy for China and Rwanda, Ambassador Wang said that the two countries share a lot in common such as the people-centered development concept, develop the country by the people, for the people, and let the fruits of development benefit all people equitably. Both countries adhere to the national character of self-reliance (“agaciro”), self-respect, and self-improvement, and firmly believe that where there is a will, there is a way.
“China has five-year plans, Rwanda has 7-year-long NSTs; China has centenary goals, and Rwanda has vision 2050…. in terms of foreign policy, we both hope to make international order more reasonable and democratic so that all countries can be treated equally. We both believe in the equality of all countries, big or small. We resolutely defend our sovereignty, adhere to independent development path that fits our national realities, and oppose foreign intervention. Because of so many similarities, many Chinese leaders in exchanges with Rwandan counterparts often feel that “heroes think alike”. This kind of commonality and comradeship is a valuable foundation,” Ambassador Wang concluded.
