PHOTOS: China ready to ‘boost’ military ties with Rwanda – envoy

Amb Wang Xuekun, China’s envoy to Rwanda, has said his country is ready to work with Rwanda to boost relations between the two nations’ militaries. He noted this on July 31 as the Chinese embassy in Rwanda hosted a celebration to mark the 97th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The event in Kigali was attended by government officials, diplomats, and members of the Chinese community in Rwanda, among others. ALSO READ: China and Rwanda: A reflection on National Day In his remarks, Amb Xuekun praised the bilateral relations which are growing stronger and faster, saying that China is ready to work with Rwanda to enhance cooperation between the two countries’ defence forces. “Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Rwanda, our bilateral relations have grown stronger. And I firmly believe that our military exchanges and cooperation will continue to go deep and achieve more results. And that will, in turn, further strengthen our bond of friendship,” he said. ALSO READ: Rwanda, China outline new cooperation areas “China stands ready to work with Rwanda to boost the relations between our two armies and our two countries.” Capt (Navy) Li Dayi, the first-ever Chinese Defence Attaché accredited to Rwanda, pointed out that China and Rwanda are peace-loving countries that are contributing to international peacekeeping operations and that he will keep promoting the pragmatic cooperation between PLA and RDF. “The Chinese People's Liberation Army and the Rwanda Defence Force respect each other's core interests, learn from each other's experience in military construction and development, and carry out a series of fruitful cooperation, thus enhancing strategic mutual trust. And I will help the China-Rwanda friendly and cooperative partnership achieve new results,” he stated. ALSO READ: Chinese Embassy welcomes first-ever Defence Attaché to Rwanda Delivering his keynote speech, Maj Gen John Baptist Ngiruwonsanga, the Commandant of Rwanda Defence Force General Headquarters, emphasised the shared commitment to the values of liberation and mutual respect for both countries, adding that the gathering was not only to commemorate the remarkable journey of the PLA but also to recognize the profound ideals of liberation that guided its path. “The story of the PLA is a testament to the enduring spirit of courage and resilience in the face of adversity, embodying the core principles of liberation and justice that resonate deeply across the global community,” he said. Ngiruwonsanga added that RDF continues to honour and uphold these ideals, “remaining steadfast in our responsibility to protect liberty.” China and Rwanda bilateral friendly cooperative relations have been developing steadily. The two countries have conducted extensive exchanges and cooperation in political, economic, cultural, people-to-people as well as international affairs. In March 2017, President Paul Kagame made an official visit to China and held a meeting with President Xi Jinping. In July 2018, at the invitation of President Kagame, President Xi visited Rwanda, marking the first ever visit of a Chinese President to Rwanda. There are frequent exchanges and communications between the two countries' ruling parties, the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) and the Communist Party of China (CPC).

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PHOTOS: China ready to ‘boost’ military ties with Rwanda – envoy