Chinese official hails Rwandans for their peace building efforts

The Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) President Chen Haosu, has praised the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission and Rwandans in general for their efforts in building lasting peace and friendship in the world. The Chinese official said this during a two-day working visit to the country which started with a visit at the Kigali Memorial Centre, Tuesday evening. “It’s a tremendous achievement for the people of Rwanda and the Commission. You have set an example to the world that restorative justice is possible and that revenge is not a solution,” said Haosu. He added “What happened in Rwanda is a tragedy that we hope will never happen again. So amazing that with joint efforts, Rwandans have worked so hard to rebuild the country,” Haosu said after laying a wreath on the mass graves at Gisozi. He promised to always stand by Rwandans in their efforts of peace building and conflict resolution as both countries have gone through the same history. “The pain and suffering, the efforts for peace are paying off at last,” Haosu said through a translator, expressing optimism that the future was bright. CPAFFC aims at enhancing people’s friendship, furthering international cooperation, safeguarding world peace and promoting common development. NURC President Jean Baptiste Habyarimana welcomed the support by the Chinese in rebuilding the country and went on to explain Rwanda’s different policies that seek peaceful conflict resolution among which are the Gacaca courts. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amandin Rugira, disclosed that the 36-year old relationship between Rwanda and China had been a landmark of achievements. “We have worked effectively together in priority sectors of Agriculture, Health, Education and Infrastructure,” he explained, revealing that the new Foreign Affairs building located in Kimuhurura was built courtesy of a grant from China. Ends