Honorable Minister Monique Mukaruriza of East African Community, Your Excellencies from diplomatic missions, Ladies and gentlemen, sisters and brothers,
Good evening! Welcome to my Embassy!
This week, I joined with Rwandans in their celebrations, and next week, I’m leaving the beautiful country. It’s a difficult moment for me: I’m reluctant to go, but I have to. I’m already missing Kigali.
However, I am lucky and happy to see the rising of African lions upon my retirement after 36 years of diplomatic career on this Continent.
The rapid development of Rwanda is a good example of Africa’s dynamism. Over the last 20 years, Rwanda has achieved stable and rapid economic growth, especially in infrastructure sector; in Kigali you can see soaring buildings and stretching roads everyday, everywhere.
From my experience in Africa, I notice lots of similarities between Chinese and Rwandans, Asians and Africans. For example, Rwandans believe in seriousness, and apply “home-grown” solutions to “own their development” and progress, working towards self-reliance. Likewise, the Chinese people has been paving her own way through independence, self-reliance, and reform and opening up. It’s almost the same with Rwandan’s “change with continuity”.
Last Saturday, my colleagues and I participated in Umuganda, working together with the local people in Rulindo district, Northern Province. It reminds me of the voluntary work in China through 1950s to 1980s. I have a strong belief that Rwanda, full of vigor, will surely head for a prosperous and promising future with the joint efforts of 10 million dedicated people.
Ladies and gentlemen,
My 30 months in Rwanda has witnessed stable development of Sino-Rwandan relations in all domains ranging from political dialogue, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange to healthcare, education and training, etc. Our bilateral trade reached 161 million USD last year, almost doubled that of 2010.
I have concentrated on several pragmatic projects helping Rwandans to increase their production and improve their wellbeing.
The Masaka Polyclinic is now in full operation. It will be expanded as a main district hospital of Kigali according to the need of Rwandans. The Chinese Medical Team, who has been working in Rwanda for 30 years, will be joined with more doctors from China, and serve more Rwandan people at Masaka and Kibungo hostpitals.
The China-Rwanda Agricultural Technology DemonstrationCenter has conducted 23 sessions of training on agriculture technology, more than 1000 Rwandan families benefited with know-how in rice production, mushroom cultivation, soil and water conservation, some of them have started their own business or cooperatives. Yesterday, we launched the Agricultural Project Incubator in Mulindi, where local farmers may start their business under the on site support of Chinese extensionists.
The experts from Chinese Bamboo Team pass on to the locals techniques of bamboo cultivation, processing and utilization and skills of bamboo weaving. Chinese teachers and volunteers from KIE Confucius Institute teach Chinese Language at a number of schools in Kigali and other three provinces, and what’s more, they edit a trilingual dictionary of Rwandan-Chinese-English to promote cultural exchange. A TVET school in Northern Province will be delivered next year.
My fellow Chinese entrepreneurs and compatriots in Rwanda,
Hope you could remember the traditional Chinese virtues of honesty and diligence, try to integrate into Rwandan society, and develop and thrive hand in hand with Rwandan people.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The 56-year old Sino-African friendship doesn’t come easy. In 1950s, when African nations were struggling for independence and liberation, China, despite of her own scarcity, extended helping hand to her African brothers and sisters with no hesitation. Today, although the second largest economy, China is still a developing country, and will never forget her peers in Africa. In the 21st century, we’ll strive hand in hand for the common rise of Africa and Asia.
Last March, H.E. Mr. Xi Jinping, President of PRC, chose Africa for his first official visit abroad as head of state. He exchanged ideas on how to develop Sino-African relations in new era with many African leaders. To realize the dreams of China and Africa, Mr. Xi stresses “sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith” in the partnership and cooperation with Africa.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Thanks to the support and cooperation of Rwandan government and friends from all walks of life, as well as colleagues of diplomatic corps, I could add a sound end to my 36 years’ career for Sino-Africa relations. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all of you.
We have a saying in China that the end of one journey is also the beginning of another. I will continue to do my best for the cause of Sino-African, Sino-Rwandan partnership, just like H.E. President Kagame asks me: once an ambassador to Rwanda, the ambassador of Sino-African friendship forever.
To conclude, I’d like to invite you to join me in a toast, to the common development, to Sino-Rwandan friendship, to the prosperity of Rwanda, to the health of all presents and wellbeing of your families, Cheers!
Thank you all, and hope to meet you again.
MFA China
