Mr. Paul Kagame, the Chairman of African Union (AU) President of Rwanda,
Has described China’s intervention on the continent as “deeply transformational’’.
He praised Chinese aid and investment strategy in Africa and sees it as respectful of Africa’s global position.
He spoke at the Forum of Africa-China
Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, where he said that Chinese engagements
have portrayed Africa as a development partner.
Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, where he said that Chinese engagements
have portrayed Africa as a development partner.
“Today the Forum (FOCAC) has grown into a
powerful engine of cooperation fully aligned with Africa’s Agenda 2063
and Sustainable Development Goals,” Mr Kagame said.
powerful engine of cooperation fully aligned with Africa’s Agenda 2063
and Sustainable Development Goals,” Mr Kagame said.
“Our growing ties with China do not come
at anyone’s expense. The gains are enjoyed by all who do business with
us. Building the capacity of African institutions to transact and
monitor more effectively is what will make the biggest
difference.”
at anyone’s expense. The gains are enjoyed by all who do business with
us. Building the capacity of African institutions to transact and
monitor more effectively is what will make the biggest
difference.”
Although President Kagame has been a
relentless critic of foreign aid, he has held a soft stance towards
China’s engagements in Africa because he considers it to be a “more
respectful partner” than Europe and America.
relentless critic of foreign aid, he has held a soft stance towards
China’s engagements in Africa because he considers it to be a “more
respectful partner” than Europe and America.
“The relationship between Africa and
China is based on equality, mutual respect and a commitment to a shared
well-being. Working closely together to assess implementation will
further enhance the quality of this process. It is
time for Africa to step up as well,” he said.
China is based on equality, mutual respect and a commitment to a shared
well-being. Working closely together to assess implementation will
further enhance the quality of this process. It is
time for Africa to step up as well,” he said.
President Kagame added that the continent
wishes to be a part of the multibillion-dollar China’s Belt and Road
Initiative — infrastructure and investment projects. The initiative aims
at enhancing China’s global dominance.
wishes to be a part of the multibillion-dollar China’s Belt and Road
Initiative — infrastructure and investment projects. The initiative aims
at enhancing China’s global dominance.
Late July, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Senegal, Rwanda, Mauritius and South Africa.
In Kigali, President Xi signed 15 bilateral agreements and concessional loans.
Under the agreements, China will fund
projects in road construction, hospitals upgrade and development of the
Bugesera International Airport.
projects in road construction, hospitals upgrade and development of the
Bugesera International Airport.
National carrier, RwandAir, is also expected to begin flights to Guangzou, China, in February next year.
At the ongoing summit in Beijing, President Xi pledged $60 billion in new development with “no political strings attachments”.
The money — to be spent over the next three years— comes on top of $60 billion Beijing offered in 2015.
