The Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Vincent Biruta on Friday met Rao Hongwei, Chinese ambassador to Rwanda, to express solidarity with the people and Government of China on the outbreak of coronavirus which has so far claimed the lives of 170 people in China.

Minister Biruta expressed appreciation to the People’s Republic of China, for their handling of the outbreak and the support given to foreign nationals including Rwandans.

"We have expressed our appreciation to China on their handling of the coronavirus outbreak and their support to foreign nationals including Rwandans living in Hubei Province.”

Additionally, Biruta pointed out "We remain confident in China’s ability to manage this outbreak and contribution to a coordinated global mechanism.”

The Minister also thanked the Ambassador for support and provision of food and basic necessities are given to the 155 Rwandans living in Hubei province, by the local authorities in collaboration with the Embassy of Rwanda in Beijing.

Earlier this week, the government of Rwanda called for calm amid the coronavirus rapid spread.

This was witnessed after an assurance from Sabin Nsanzimana, Director General at Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC).

However, recent statistics show that there are now 7,711 confirmed and 12,167 suspected cases throughout China.

Of the confirmed cases, 1,370 are severe. Also, a total of 170 people have died and 124 people have recovered and discharged from the hospital.

Besides, the situation in other countries is also not getting better as there are now 83 cases in 18 countries, up from 11 earlier this week.

It is noted that of these, only seven had no connection to China.