Senior Chinese officials visit

A group of 22 top Chinese government officials, yesterday arrived in Rwanda for a three-day visit to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries. The delegation, headed by Li Yuanchao, member of the Political Bureau and Secretariat of the Communist Party of China (CPC), arrived at Kigali International Airport at 3:15 PM and were received by Francois Ngarambe, Secretary General of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), who was accompanied by the Minister of East Africa Affairs, Monique Mukaruliza. Yuanchao is among the top 20 leaders in China. The officials, who include Chen Jian, the vice Minister of Commerce, are visiting Rwanda on the invitation of the RPF. They later held talks with officials from the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC). In an interview with The New Times, Retired Bishop, John Rucyahana, the President of NURC, said despite Chine being a developed country, there was a lot the two countries can learn from each other. “They want to learn the role of unity and reconciliation in the development of Rwanda after the Genocide. I believe we need to learn from each other, not only in terms of unity, but also in other areas,” he said. The Chinese delegation, he added, was surprised by the way Rwandans managed to reconcile after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, adding that it was an indication that the country has lessons it can teach the world. Ngarambe said the officials are visiting to enhance the good relationship the two countries have enjoyed. “The two countries have enjoyed good relations, specifically between RPF and CPC. We want to discuss ways on how, together, we can help our citizens develop,” Ngarambe said. Today, they are scheduled to hold talks with RPF and also sign a bilateral economic and technical agreement. bosco.asiimwe@newtimes.co.rweric.kabeera@newtimes.co.rw