Rwanda looks forward to deeper cooperation with China

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President of Rwanda Paul Kagame said on Sunday that his country is willing to deepen cooperation with China.

Kagame made the remarks during a meeting with Liu Xiaofeng, the special envoy of President Xi Jinping in the capital Kigali.

Kagame, sworn in for his third term on Friday, sent his thanks to Xi for sending the special envoy to attend his inauguration ceremony.

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame (R), flanked by his wife Jeannette Kagame, speaks after being sworn in as Rwanda's Head of State for the next 7 years on August 18, 2017 in Kigali. /AFP Photo

China and Rwanda enjoy a long history of friendship and cooperation, he said, adding that China has been supporting the development of Rwanda and other African countries for some time.

Liu, who is also the vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said since diplomatic relations with Rwanda were established 46 years ago, ties have developed steadily and healthily.

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame attends the signing of the Standard Gauge Railway agreement with China at the State House in Nairobi on May 11, 2014. /AFP Photo

China is ready to enhance political mutual trust, expand economic and trade cooperation and consolidate friendship, said Liu.

Around 6.9 million Rwandans cast their ballots in the presidential election held on August 4.

Kagame won with 98.79 percent of the votes.

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame signs the oath of office after being sworn in as Rwanda's Head of State for the next 7 years on August 18, 2017 in Kigali. /AFP Photo

Kagame, who is also the chairman of the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front party has been president since 2000 when he was elected president of the transitional government by ministers and members of parliament following the resignation of previous president, Pasteur Bizimungu.

He was re-elected to office in the 2003 and 2010 presidential elections.

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Source(s): Xinhua News Agency