Rwandan leader hails China's 'equal treatment'

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Rwandan President Paul Kagame is praising China’s treatment of Africa “as an equal,” calling it “a revolutionary posture in world affairs” and “more precious than money.”

Kagame made the remarks Monday after signing bilateral agreements with the visiting Chinese president, Xi Jinping.

"China welcomes Rwanda's participation in the international cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, and encourages more Chinese investment in Rwanda to help advance the African country's industrialization and modernization," President Xi said during this visit to Rwanda.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R), accompanied by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, inspects the guard of honor before their talks in Kigali, Rwanda, July 23, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

In an address at the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs held in Beijing on June 22, President Xi also urged efforts to take an active part in leading the reform of the global governance system, and build a more complete network of global partnerships, sticking to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence: mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.

He also calls to break new ground in major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics and to actively participate in the reform of the global governance system based on such principles of fairness and justice.

China has become Rwanda's biggest trading partner and project contractor. China has provided many supports for Rwanda in its process of reconstruction and industrialization. In 2017, the bilateral trade volume reached 157 million US dollars, with an increase of 10.56 percent.

In just over a month's time, China will host a summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing.

"I look forward to meeting with him and other leaders of FOCAC members to draw up a blueprint for furthering China-Africa friendship and cooperation and promoting our future development," Xi wrote in a signed article entitled "China and Rwanda: A Friendship Higher than Mountains" that was published in mainstream Rwandan newspaper The New Times.