On March 17, 2017, President Xi Jinping held talks at the Great Hall of the People with President Paul Kagame of Rwanda. The two heads of state agreed to take the implementation of outcomes of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as opportunity to actively make innovation in cooperation models and comprehensively deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to elevate the level of bilateral strategic cooperation.

Xi Jinping pointed out that since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations 46 years ago, China and Rwanda have always understood each other, conducted sincere cooperation, continuously enhanced bilateral political mutual trust, achieved rapid development of mutually beneficial cooperation in economy and trade, and enjoyed various and brilliant people-to-people and cultural exchanges, which shows a sound development momentum of bilateral relations. At present, the development of China-Rwanda cooperation faces historic opportunities. Both sides should deepen political mutual trust, enhance personnel exchanges in various fields, exchange experience in state governance and administration, and intensify communication and cooperation in international and regional affairs. China supports the Rwandan people to actively explore the development path conforming to its national conditions. Both sides should advance cooperation in industrialization and agricultural modernization. The Chinese side is willing to provide supports to the construction of special economic zones in Rwanda, enhance industrial alignment, boost cooperation in production capacity and improve Rwanda's food security capability. The two sides should also strengthen cooperation in infrastructure construction, and the Chinese side encourages more Chinese enterprises to participate in the construction of major infrastructure projects in such areas as transportation and energy in the country. Both countries need to tap cooperation potential in tourism to jointly forge the tourist industry into a new highlight of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. The two countries should enhance cooperation in peace and security areas, and the Chinese side supports Rwanda to play a greater role in the UN and regional peace-keeping operations.

Xi Jinping stressed that during my visit to Africa in 2013, I proposed to develop China-Africa relations with the concepts featuring sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith and the correct viewpoint of righteousness and benefit. The essence of such concepts is to closely combine China's development with helping Africa's growth, in a bid to realize win-win cooperation and common development. China is not only an important advocator and contributor of Africa's independent and sustainable development, but also a pioneer leading international cooperation with Africa. No matter how the international situation changes, China's policy towards Africa remains unchanged, and China will not reduce its steps to boost bilateral friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation. The Chinese side will work with friendly countries in Africa to comprehensively implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Johannesburg Summit, closely combine China-Africa cooperation with Africa's 2063 Agenda, and support Africa for alliance and self-renewal to achieve the goals of industrialization and agricultural modernization.

Paul Kagame expressed that Rwanda treasures friendly relations and cooperation with China, appreciated China's valuable contributions to the reconstruction and development of Rwanda, and welcomed more Chinese enterprises to increase investment in such areas as agriculture, mining, tourism and infrastructure construction in the country. Appreciating China's long-term friendly policy towards Africa, the Rwandan side spoke highly of China's adherence to equal treatment and mutual respect, no demarcation in ideology while developing relations with Africa, and actively devoting itself to deeply promoting Rwanda-China cooperation as well as Africa-China cooperation in various fields within the framework of outcomes of the FOCAC Johannesburg Summit.

Before the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcoming ceremony for Paul Kagame at the square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. President Xi Jinping's wife, Mme. Peng Liyuan, Vice Chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Shen Yueyue, State Councilor Yang Jiechi, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Wang Qinmin and other people were present.