Xi Jinping Exchanges Messages of Congratulations with Rwandan President Paul Kagame on the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of China-Rwanda Diplomatic Relations

On November 12, 2021, President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with Rwandan President Paul Kagame on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Rwanda.

Xi Jinping pointed out that since the founding of the diplomatic ties between China and Rwanda half a century ago, the two countries have witnessed sound and steady development of bilateral relations, and the traditional friendship has grown even stronger as time goes by. In recent years, bilateral friendly cooperation has maintained good momentum for development, and exchanges in various fields have been deepened, which has improved the well-being of the people of both countries. After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Rwanda have helped each other and worked together to fight the virus, demonstrating the brotherhood of sharing weal and woe.

Xi Jinping stressed, I attach great importance to the development of China-Rwanda relations. I am willing to work with you to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties and the new session of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as an opportunity to deepen political mutual trust, strengthen cooperation in Belt and Road construction and other fields, and push for continuous development of bilateral friendly cooperative relations, so as to create benefits for both countries and peoples.

Kagame said in his message that since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the friendship between the two sides has been continuously strengthened, and the friendly cooperative relations continuously deepened. That is deeply rooted in the common principles of mutual respect, solidarity and mutual help as well as mutual benefit upheld by both sides. China has provided support to Rwanda through various platforms, including the FOCAC and the Belt and Road Initiative, and played an important and positive role in Rwanda's national transformation. Rwanda will continue to firmly expand and strengthen bilateral friendly cooperation in various fields.