KIGALI - The Minister of Defence, Gen James Kabarebe, yesterday met his counterpart, Gen Liang Guanglie of China and the two hailed the excellent relations prevailing between their countries, and their armed forces in particular Guanglie also doubles as the State Counsellor.

According to a statement from the ministry the two ministers "reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to international peace and security.”

They also pledged to deepen and widen military cooperation by opening up new areas of cooperation such as research and development, intensifying military visits and exchange programmes as well as increasing the number of slots offered to the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) personnel.

"Both ministers also took cognizance of the critical role of technological innovations in modernising their countries’ armed forces in order to effectively address the 21st Century defence and security challenges,” the statement reads in part.

The meeting was concluded with the signing of a protocol giving the Rwandan Ministry of Defence a grant that will be used for the construction of a floating dock for the Marine regiment.

Recently, China also donated two boats to the RDF to be used in the protection of the Methane gas plant on Lake Kivu.

Kabarebe is in China for a five-day visit at Guanglie’s invitation.

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