Xinhua Agency, Kigali, September 4high-end interview| The Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation will inject new impetus into Africa-China relations-Interview with Rwandan President Kagame

Xinhua Agency reporter Jili Jin Zheng

"The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has always been a key platform for deepening Africa-China partnership." Rwandan President Kagame recently accepted a written interview with a reporter from Xinhua Agency that the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation will inject new impetus into Africa-China relations, promote the two sides to further strengthen cooperation, especially in emerging fields, and "ensure that Africa-China partnership continues to benefit both Africa and China."

Kagame said that China has become one of Rwanda's largest trading partners. The two sides have continued to deepen cooperation in various fields such as trade, agriculture, green development, and digitalization, and have achieved tangible results, particularly in poverty reduction and infrastructure construction.

Kagame believes that the Belt and Road Initiative plays a key role in strengthening infrastructure construction and promoting sustainable development in Rwanda. He cited the construction of municipal roads in the capital Kigali, the highway upgrading project in the Southern Province and the Nabarongge River No. 2 Hydropower Station as examples. These projects have a direct impact on improving people's livelihood and well-being and supporting economic growth. "Looking to the future, the two sides have huge potential for further cooperation in the fields of digital economy, renewable energy, and agricultural modernization."

Kagame pointed out that Chinese-style modernization has important implications for Rwanda. "We are very interested in Chinese-style modernization." Kagame said,"We have visited Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing and other places in China, and what impressed us most was China's development scale and modernization."

Kagame said that when Rwanda learns from China's development experience, it also considers its own national conditions, including cultural, social and economic realities. "The principles of self-reliance, innovation and strategic planning that have contributed to China's success are universally applicable and can be used to guide Rwanda's development."

Kagame expressed his high agreement with China's concept of true, real, affinity and good faith towards Africa and the correct concept of justice and interests, and believed that this concept resonates strongly with Rwanda's values. "Facts have proved that China is a reliable friend and partner of Africa. China supports Africa's development and does not impose its will on others. We deeply appreciate this cooperation model."

Kagame emphasized that like many African countries, Rwanda attaches great importance to its partnership with China, which is based on mutual respect and common interests. "We are not governed by external narratives, but rather evaluate partnerships based on the actual results of cooperation. Our cooperation concept emphasizes sovereignty, autonomy and win-win results."

Over the past 20 years, Rwanda's average economic growth rate has been nearly 8%, making it one of the fastest growing economies in Africa and even the world. Kagame believes that this is inseparable from Rwanda's priority of creating a stable and safe environment, investing in human capital, and cultivating a friendly business environment.

Rwanda has many mountains and beautiful scenery, making it known as the "Country of Thousands of Mounds". Kagame said: "Rwanda has great potential for development in tourism, and we warmly welcome more Chinese tourists." He believes that in order to enhance mutual understanding between the people of Rwanda and China, both the government and the media can play a key role.

Kagame said that Rwanda looks forward to playing a greater role in maintaining peace, environmentally sustainable development and regional integration. "Rwanda will continue to play a constructive role in Africa's development process, contribute to Africa's development and prosperity, and firmly defend Africa's interests on the international stage."