In what officials see as a milestone in bilateral relations between Rwanda and China, the chairperson of the standing committee of the National Congress of the People’s Republic of China will, for the first time, be coming to Rwanda.

The two-day official visit of Zhang Dejiang, from March 22, was announced by Pan Hejun, the ambassador of China to Rwanda, at a news briefing on Tuesday at the Chinese embassy in Kigali.

Amb. Pan said the visit is a milestone that will enhance relations between the two countries.

"The two sides will take this opportunity to further enhance mutual political trust, positively evaluate the bilateral relations and cooperation achievements and extend the pragmatic cooperation in all fields between the two countries. The visit will be an important milestone for China- Rwanda relations,” he said.

Zhang, who will be coming on the invitation of Donatille Mukabalisa the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies and Bernard Makuza, the president of the Senate, will be accompanied by a delegation of six people.

Among the members of the delegation are; Wang Chen, the vice chair of the standing committee of the National People’s Congress of China (NPC); Fu Ying, the chairperson of the Foreign affairs Committee of NPC, Zhang Yesui, the vice minister of foreign affairs; Shen Chunyao, the deputy secretary general of the standing committee of NPC; and Pan Hejun the ambassador of China to Rwanda.

Amb. Pan said the visit is a top legislature exchange between both countries and a key part of the implementation of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

While in the country, the delegation headed by Dejiang will visit Kigali Memorial Centre before holding talks with Speaker Mukabalisa in parliament.

Later, Zhang will attend a welcome dinner co hosted by Mukabalisa and Bernard Makuza.

On March 23, Zhang (pictured), who is also expected to meet with President Paul Kagame, will hold talks with Senate president Bernard Makuza.

Before leaving Rwanda, Zhang will attend the ground breaking ceremony for the Rwanda Administration Office Complex Project.

Zhang will become the highest ranking Chinese leader to visit Rwanda since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1971.

He ranks as the third most powerful in the political system of China after the president and the premier.

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