President Paul Kagame has warmly welcomed Lt Gen Huang Xucong, the Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the Central Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, along with his delegation, for a significant four-day official visit to Rwanda. The meeting, which is part of an ongoing effort to fortify bilateral relations, focused on enhancing military cooperation between the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
During the high-level discussions, President Kagame and Lt Gen Huang Xucong explored various avenues to bolster the existing military collaboration between the two nations. They delved into potential areas of mutual interest, including joint training programs, capacity building, and the exchange of strategic military insights. This visit underscores the commitment of both countries to deepen their partnership and work towards shared goals in regional and global security.
President Kagame expressed his appreciation for the longstanding friendship and support that China has extended to Rwanda, particularly in the defense sector. He emphasized the importance of continued cooperation and the benefits it brings to both nations. The President highlighted the RDF’s progress in professionalization and capacity building, noting that partnerships like these are instrumental in furthering Rwanda’s defense capabilities.
Lt Gen Huang Xucong, on his part, conveyed the Chinese government’s commitment to strengthening ties with Rwanda. He praised the RDF for its professionalism and efficiency, recognizing the significant strides Rwanda has made in maintaining peace and security. He assured President Kagame of China’s readiness to support Rwanda in various defense initiatives and reiterated the PLA’s intention to collaborate closely with the RDF.
The visit includes a series of meetings and engagements with key military officials, tours of defense installations, and discussions on future collaborative projects. This initiative is expected to pave the way for enhanced military cooperation, fostering a more robust and strategic partnership between Rwanda and China.
As Rwanda and China continue to build on their strong historical ties, this visit marks a significant step towards a more integrated and collaborative future in defense and security. Both nations are poised to benefit from the shared knowledge, expertise, and resources, ultimately contributing to greater stability and peace in the region.
For the people of Rwanda, this visit is a testament to the country’s growing influence and the strategic importance of its partnerships on the global stage. The RDF and the PLA’s commitment to working together promises a future of strengthened security and mutual progress.
