The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation headquarters were officially unveiled yesterday. They will also house the Ministry of Commerce and Trade and the Ministry of East African Community.

This was revealed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Rosemary Museminali during the official hand over and inaugural ceremony of the magnificent six storey building located at Kimihurura which was presided over by the visiting Chinese Foreign Minister, Yang Jiechi.

Speaking at the colourful ceremony to hand over the $8.9m building financed by the government of China, Museminali thanked China for offering to construct the complex which she said is a symbol of good relations enjoyed by the two countries.

"This beautiful building is a product of good relations between China and Rwanda. It is a pivotal point in the sense that it is a home where Rwanda’s foreign policy will be run and implemented. We are grateful to the Government of China,” said Museminali.

She said that  the new building has not only changed the skyline of Kigali but it is a great landmark which Rwandans will always attribute to the Chinese people and will always standout as a symbol of cooperation between the two countries.

In his speech, the Chinese Foreign Minister said that the Government and people of China are proud to be associated with Rwanda and will always look up to the new structure as a landmark of China-Rwanda relations, which have come a long way.

"The bilateral relations between China and Rwanda have come a long way and I must say this project is worthy and we will continue working hand in hand in this beautiful building,” said the Chinese Minister as he handed over a ceremonial key to his Rwandan counterpart.

Jiechi said his government is committed to continue working with the Government of Rwanda towards promoting economic progress and development in the country.

He paid tribute to the people in the two countries who have for a long time maintained relations especially in culture and sports, which are all good aspects of cooperation.

Ministers Monique Nsanzabaganwa and Monique Mukaruliza, whose Ministries will be housed in the complex attended the ceremony, also attended by the Minister of Infrastructure Linda Bihire, whose Ministry offered assistance during the construction.

Jiechi, who was on his first visit to Rwanda, said that he was impressed by the country’s progress and the beautiful environment.

He held bi-lateral talks with his Rwandan Counterpart and signed an agreement to strengthen the relations between the two countries and also paid a courtesy call to President Paul Kagame at Urugwiro Village during his one day official visit.

Jiechi is on an annual traditional African visit by Chinese foreign Minister during their tenure to strengthen the China-Africa relations. The other countries to be visited include Malawi, Uganda and South Africa.     

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