On January 14, 2009, Rwandan President Paul Kagame met in the Rwandan capital of Kigali with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.

Kagame said over the years bilateral ties have achieved substantial development with sound cooperation in bilateral and multilateral areas. He appreciated China's support and help for Rwanda's development. The president hoped that the two countries continue to strengthen cooperation in such fields as agriculture, trade, infrastructure, education and public health to continuously advance bilateral ties.

The president spoke highly of China-Africa friendly and cooperative relations. He said China-Africa cooperation has been fruitful since the establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, playing an important, active role for Africa’s development. Rwanda is ready to make positive efforts to push forward the development of the Forum and promote China-Africa friendly cooperative relations.

Hailing the profound traditional friendship between the two countries, Yang said since the two countries established diplomatic ties 38 years ago, bilateral relations have developed smoothly with frequent personnel exchanges, deepening political trust, positive progress of economic and trade cooperation and close communication and cooperation in international affairs. Yang appreciated the Rwandan government’s adherence to the one-China policy and its support of China’s positions on key issues concerning China’s core interests including those related to Taiwan and Tibet.

Yang said strengthening cooperation of the two sides would help both countries keep steady economic and social development in the face of challenges brought by the ongoing global financial crisis. China will continue to offer assistance within its ability to Rwanda’s economic and social development and actively encourage Chinese businesses to invest in Rwanda. China is ready to work with Rwanda to further tap potential of cooperation for bilateral friendly, cooperative relations to score more fruitful results.

The minister said China attaches great importance to the friendly and cooperative relations with African countries, adding that China will cooperate closely with African countries, fully fulfill the agreements reached at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, especially the eight policy measures to enhance practical cooperation between China and Africa, and push China-Africa relations to a new stage of development.

Also on the day, Yang held talks with his Rwandan counterpart Rosemary Museminali. Both sides exchanged views on further developing China-Rwanda friendly relations featuring equality, mutual trust and comprehensive cooperation. Following their talks, the two foreign ministers attended a signing ceremony of relevant cooperation documents between the two countries and jointly met the press.