Kagame, China’s Xi discuss cooperation in health, technology
Thursday, September 05, 2024
President Paul Kagame meets with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing on Thursday, September 5.

President Paul Kagame and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Thursday, September 5 held a bilateral meeting in Beijing at the side-lines of the ongoing China-Africa Summit (FOCAC).

Their discussions focused on ongoing collaboration in key sectors including health, infrastructure, and technology, according to Village Urugwiro.

"The Heads of State also discussed their mutual commitment to multipolar global governance, based on sovereignty, self-determination, and values,” the President Office said.

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At the FOCAC Summit, which began on Thursday with various African leaders in attendance, President Xi committed up to $50 billion in support to the African countries, which will take various forms including credits and grants.

The Heads of State discussed the ongoing collaboration in key sectors including health, infrastructure, and technology among others. Photo by Village Urugwiro

He announced 10 partnership actions for modernisation between Africa and China, including trade, industrial cooperation, development and common security.

In his address during the opening ceremony of the summit, President Kagame commended the Chinese people for working together to transform their country and bringing to the helm of the of the global economy, adding that the Asian giant had shown a "strong desire” for shared development with other countries.

"This cooperative approach has allowed the relationship between Africa and China to flourish, including infrastructure development, scientific innovation, and peace and security on the continent,” Kagame said.

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In 2023, trade between Rwanda and China surpassed US$ 500 million, reflecting a 16.5% increase from the previous year, the Ministry of Finance said in March.

Rwanda and China have partnered in various sectors including in infrastructure, and health.

Some of the projects include the ongoing renovation and expansion of Masaka Hospital, the Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant Project, and the Smart Education Project.