Chinese president concludes state visit to Rwanda

REUTERS - Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his two-day state visit to Rwanda and headed for South Africa on Monday (July 23). Rwandan President Paul Kagame held a grand ceremony to see off Xi at the airport, with traditional drumming and dancing performances by colorfully dressed Rwandans and national anthems played by a military band. Speaking highly of the important achievements Rwanda has made in national reconciliation and reconstruction, Xi wished the African country greater development. Xi said that he was grateful to Kagame for his hospitality and his visit to Rwanda is a great success, adding that both the Chinese and Rwandan peoples value peace and China stands ready to work with Rwanda to create a better life for their peoples. Kagame said he feels honored to host Xi for the state visit, noting that its fruitful outcomes have further consolidated the foundation of bilateral ties. Rwanda is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges with China to further boost bilateral ties of friendship and cooperation, he added. Rwanda is the third leg of Xi's first overseas visit after he was re-elected Chinese president in March. The trip has already taken him to the United Arab Emirates and Senegal. During his state visit to South Africa, Xi will meet his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa, and attend the BRICS Business Forum, leaders' meetings, and an informal meeting to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the BRICS summit mechanism. He will also hold bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries on the sidelines of the summit. On his way back to China, Xi will visit Mauritius.