China and Rwanda on Monday held a reception marking the 35th
anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.
"Despite great distances, people of China and Rwanda have kept
frequent friendly exchanges since the two countries forged
diplomatic ties in 1971," Jing Dunquan, vice president of the
Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries,
told the reception.
As developing countries, the two nations have helped each other
on international affairs, Jing said.
Although the two countries differ in historic and cultural
backgrounds and social systems, both peoples are faced with the
tasks of developing their country and promoting world peace and
development, Jing said.
Speaker of Rwandan Senate Vincent Biruta, who is on four-day
China visit, said that China has helped Rwanda in poverty reduction
by conducting cooperation on agriculture, health, education and
infrastructure. "We sincerely appreciate China's support."
Representatives from Chinese Foreign Ministry, Chinese Defense
Ministry, envoys from Rwandan Embassy in Beijing and Rwandan
students in China attended the reception.
(Xinhua News Agency June 6, 2006)
