KIGALI - The official press agency of the Republic of China, Xinhua News Agency, opened its bureau in Rwanda yesterday.

The Kigali bureau, which has been active since May this year, will be responsible for Burundi and Eastern Congo.

The agency also boasts of 33 internal offices and 130 overseas offices under seven continental bureaus in Hongkong, Nairobi, Cairo, Mexico, Brussels and New York.

Patrice Mulama, the Executive Secretary of the Media High Council, appreciated Xinhua’s presence in Rwanda saying it was an honour.

"Having a branch of Xinhua here will increase the level of competence within our local media and improve Rwanda’s relations with China. The Rwandan Media law gives equal rights to both local and International media which shows that we are liberal,” said Mulama.

He also stated that the cabinet amended the 2009 media law and made a few changes on the draft law on access to information which will improve the media landscape.

Wang Chaowen, the Director General of the Xinhua, Africa Regional Bureau, noted that the opening of the bureau in Kigali is a milestone in the news organisation’s development path.

"Xinhua’s mission is to dispatch news by focusing more on social, economic and political issues to improve direct mutual understanding and trust between Rwanda and China without any third party,” said Mr. Wang.

China’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Shu Zhan, said that Xinhua’s main responsibility will be to bridge the gap between China and Rwanda.

"Xinhua chose to start a branch here among the many other nations because of Rwanda’s rapid economic growth and policies. Rwanda stands out amongst other nations and has high potential for development,” said Shu Zhan.

He added that this would be a great way to set out joint ventures between the two nations.

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