Kigali 21st December, 2012- Today the Government of Rwanda and the People’s Republic of China signed three agreements. These agreements were signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Hon. Louise MUSHIKIWABO on Rwandan side and Ambassador of China to Rwanda, Shu ZHAN , on Chinese side.
An interest-free loan of Yuan 120 million worth US $ 19 million has been provided to the Government of Rwanda in addition to two grants with the same value of Yuan 50 Million worth US $ 16 million.
Hon. Louise Mushikiwabo reiterated the commitment of maintaining and promoting relations and cooperation between Rwanda and China and saluted the agreements signed:
“The signing of the mentioned Agreements is very significant for Rwanda. It is consistent with the Government’s effort to develop our country and substantially change the livelihood of our entire population. It confirms our determination to move forward on all aspects of serious economic development of our country.” Said Hon. Mushikiwabo
On Chinese side, Ambassador SHU Zhan noted that China will continue to further relations between the two countries. He added that these three agreements reflect China’s continued strong relationship with Rwanda for technical cooperation.
Since 2000, China has been extending its assistance and conducting cooperation activities with African countries through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework. Under FOCAC, the Chinese Government committed to establishing and developing a new type of China-Africa strategic partnership featuring political equality and mutual trust, economic win-win cooperation and cultural exchange by starting from fundament interest of Chinese and African people.
Under the framework of the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China granted to Rwanda a significant number of turn-key projects, especially in the areas of Health, Agriculture, Education and Infrastructure.
