The Chinese community in Rwanda on Wednesday celebrated the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, at a reception held at the Chinese embassy in Kigali.

The National Day was marked early in Rwanda since it is officially celebrated on October 1.

Addressing the gathering, the Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Pan Hejun, shared China’s history, the strides it has made thus far, and the contribution the country is making globally, particularly in Africa.

"The establishment of the People’s Republic of China 67 years ago inaugurated the most profound social transformation in the Chinese history. Over the past decades, China has been developing fast to become a united, strong, and dynamic country,” he said.

"China advocates the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable development. Facing a global downward economic pressure, China has managed to sustain steady economic growth and accelerate economic structure transformation, particularly the supply-side reform,” Hejun added.

China’s contribution to global economic growth currently stands at around 25 per cent.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Rwanda, Papias Musafiri Malimba, the Minister for Education, said that China was a valued partner for Rwanda, especially in the areas of education and infrastructure development."China is a reliable partner in many areas, specifically in the fight against poverty. The economic relations between the two countries bear witness to the level and strength of our bilateral cooperation,’’ he said.

"On behalf of the people and Government of Rwanda, I would like to express our honor and deep gratitude in joining the People and Government of the Republic of China in this celebration, " he added.

Rwanda-China ties

The celebration of China’s National Day was also a time to reflect on the relations between the two countries and how the two sides can strengthen bilateral relations.

Hejun said China-Rwanda relations have evolved into a mature partnership, highlighting the increasingly close political, economic, military, cultural, educational and health ties, among others.

"Mutual trust is the cornerstone of friendly relations and cooperation between China and Rwanda ruling parties. Rwanda Patriotic Front and the Communist Party of China keep frequent exchanges on development issues,” he said.

Recently at the Johannesburg Summit of FOCAC, China and Rwanda signed two agreements, for upgrading 54km of urban roads in Kigali and expanding Masaka hospital.

About 300 guests attended the reception, including members of diplomatic corps, government officials and members of Chinese community in Rwanda.

There are about 2000 Chinese currently living in Rwanda.

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