On Monday 6th June 2022, the new envoy presented copies of credentials to Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Vincent Biruta.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed that they also held discussions revolving around ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The outgoing ambassador, Rao Hongwei had presented credentials to President Paul Kagame in April 2017.

The new envoy, Wang Xuekun was born in 1968. He holds a PhD in Engineering and is a member of the ruling Communist Party of China.

As he arrived in Kigali for the first time towards the end of May 2022, Amb. Wang revealed that he will promote relations and cooperation between both countries after assuming duties.

Rwanda and China started bilateral ties only after a decade of Rwanda’s Independence from Belgium.

Since 1971 and more particularly after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the two countries have worked closely to strategically develop their political and socio-economic ties.

China has greatly contributed to the development of Rwanda in key sectors ranging from investment, infrastructure, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), to mining, health, agriculture, defense and security.

Among others, China currently ranks among the top investors in Rwanda which has created thousands of jobs in different sectors.

In addition to traditional cooperation areas, the two countries enjoy cooperation in e-commerce, trade in high-quality agricultural produce, as well as combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rwanda’s coffee beans are popular on China’s e-commerce platforms.

Rwanda became the first African country to export dried chili to China. Figures released last year show that some 50,000 tons of dried chili were expected to be exported to China in 5 years.

The bilateral trade volume between the two countries in 2020 reached 321 million U.S. dollars despite the impact of COVID-19.

Since 1982, China has dispatched 21 medical teams to Rwanda, with a total of 258 doctors providing medical services to more than 700,000 local people, according to data from the embassy.

Over 5,000 students were enrolled by the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda while more than 2,000 members registered with the Rwanda Kung-Fu Wushu Federation.

Hundreds of Rwandan students receive Chinese scholarships to study in China every year while more and more Chinese have been learning about Rwanda and visiting for sightseeing and business.

Minister Biruta receiving copies of credentials from new Chinese Ambassador-Designate.

Minister Biruta and Wang discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Both officials in a photo of souvenir after holding talks.