The Chinese Embassy in Rwanda held a farewell reception for Rwandan students awarded the 2024 Chinese Government Scholarship. Mr. Wang Xuekun, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Eng. Pascal Gatabazi, Chief Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Education of Rwanda, Brigadier-General Patrick Karuretwa, Director General of International Military Cooperation of Ministry of Defence, attended the event and delivered remarks. Over 100 people, including the 2024 scholarship recipients and representatives from the Rwanda-China Alumni Association, Confucius Institute and various media, attended the reception.
In his speech, Ambassador Wang Xuekun congratulated the scholarship recipients and highlighted the fruitful cooperation between China and Rwanda in various fields under the guidance and support of the leaders of both countries. He noted that last month, the Communist Party of China held its 20th Central Committee’s Third Plenary Session, which decided to further deepen reforms and advance Chinese modernization, bringing bright prospects for China’s and the world’s economic development. Ambassador Wang emphasized that the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, set to be held in Beijing in early September, presents new opportunities and developments for China-Africa and China-Rwanda cooperation. He encouraged the students to seize this historic opportunity, set high ambitions, learn about Chinese culture, cherish their time in China, and strive to become contributors to Rwanda’s socio-economic development and promoters of China-Rwanda friendship and cooperation.
Pascal Gatabazi, Chief Technical Advisor of the Rwandan Ministry of Education, expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government for its continued support of Rwanda, particularly in the field of education. He praised China’s recent achievements and urged the students to study diligently in China, showcase Rwanda’s rich culture, and return home to contribute to national development.
Brigadier-General Patrick Karuretwa praised the friendship between the Chinese and Rwandan armed forces, noting that since 2007, over 300 Rwandan Defense Force officers have studied and trained in China, significantly supporting Rwanda’s defense development and military construction. He expressed Rwanda’s willingness to continue deepening military relations with China to contribute to regional peace.
During the reception, alumni of the Chinese Government Scholarship shared their experiences of studying in China, offering valuable advice to the new scholarship recipients. The scholarship recipients expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese government for the valuable opportunity and the embassy’s support. They pledged to study hard and contribute to Rwanda’s national development and the enduring friendship between China and Rwanda. (End)