China is committed to strengthening the cordial relationship with Rwanda, the Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Shen Yongxiang, has said.

Yongxiang was speaking at a function organised by the  Chinese Community in Rwanda to celebrate  the Chinese New Year on Monday.

The event was held at the Chinese  Embassy in Kigali.

"As we mark the Chinese New Year, I want to inform you that we are grateful as China to have a good relationship with this country,” the envoy said.  He also hailed government’s support which he said has enabled China to effectively implement its development projects in the country.

The Chinese government has for long been supporting Rwanda in various sectors, including agriculture, health and construction sectors, among others.

 Monday’s event also saw best photographers in a photography contest awarded.

 The Chinese embassy organised a photography competition dubbed ‘China in the eyes of Rwanda’ that aimed at promoting and exchanging culture between the two countries.  

 Omar Khalfan, a lecturer at the University of Rwanda’s Huye campus, emerged the best in the contest and received a laptop. The second best, Philomena Lindagato, went home with a mobile phone while Timothy Kisambira of The New Times and Faustine Niyigena of Izuba Rirashe, The New Times sister paper, received  a camera and an Mp3, respectively.

 "I am so happy that I emerged the second best photographer. The secret is that I submitted photos in line with culture, the theme of the contest,” Niyigena said.

Ambassador Yongxiang appreciated everyone who participated in the contest, adding that each one’s role contributed to the success of the contest.