On the evening of November 12, the Chinese Embassy to Rwanda held a reception to celebrate cultural diversity, as well as 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Rwanda.

Present at the reception were around 200 guests, including the British High Commissioner to Rwanda Ben Llewellyn-Jones and Uganda’s High Commissioner to Rwanda Richard Kabonero, among other diplomats and dignitaries.

Chinese wine tasting, Rwandan traditional performances and delicious Chinese dishes added colour to the fête, as guests interacted and exchanged contacts.

Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Shu Zhan extended to the guests his festive greetings. He briefly reviewed the good diplomatic relations China and Rwanda have enjoyed, since November 12 1971, highlighting the remarkable achievements in culture, health, education and science.

To enhance the festival, the Chinese Embassy has organised a series of activities that began on November 12 and run till January 2012. Some of these activities will include Chinese film week, photo exhibition, workshop and dance shows.

The reception also marked the launch of an essay writing competition, organised by the Embassy, The New Times and La Nouvelle Releve, with the theme: "China-Rwanda Friendship.”  The articles can be sent to the Embassy’s E-mail: chinaemb_rw@mfa.gov.cn before December 31, 2011.

"I hope Rwandans would join us, making a review of our past 40 years and a prospect of our future,” Ambassador Zhan said.

"The results will come out before the Spring Festival, and the Embassy will prepare nice prizes for the winners,” Hon. Zhan promised, before proposing a toast to the guests, for China-Rwanda friendship.

Ends