Speech by H. E. Mr. SUN Shuzhong, Chinese ambassador to Rwanda

at the National Day reception

Honorable Minister Louise Mushikiwabo，

Ministers,

Excellencies,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

First of all, allow me warmly welcome every one of you to our National day reception tonight. This is the first time that we are holding the celebration at our new embassy and I hope you all like it, if you have any good suggestions as to the building, do let us know, we might still have enough time to do some adjustments since the project is not totally finished yet.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year marks not only the 59th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, but also the 30th anniversary of China’s reform and opening-up policy，a policy that fundamentally changed the closed, backward and ossified situation which had reigned in China for years. It is a policy that freed people’s mind and aroused their initiative, liberated the productive forces and instilled vigor and vitality into the nation. China has traversed through an extraordinary path of national building and self-development in the past few decades. With tremendous achievements in its economic and social development, the nation has enjoyed political stability, economic growth and social progress. Its overall national strength has greatly increased, and the living standard of people has markedly improved.

For China, the year 2008 has been a special year. We experienced three major events. One was the devastating earthquake in Wenchuan, which caused grave losses of life and property. In the face of the disaster, the Chinese people showed great strength, courage, solidarity and resilience. By now, the people affected by the earthquake have been properly relocated and recovery and reconstruction work is well under way. The second event was the successful hosting of the Beijing Olympic Games. This grand sporting event provided arena for athletes from around the world to show true sportsmanship. It also enabled the world to learn more about China and China about the world. In our fight against the earthquake disaster and our efforts to host the Games, we received understanding, support and assistance from the international community. I wish to take this opportunity to express sincere gratitude on behalf of the Chinese government and people. The third event was China’s third manned space journey successfully carried out recently. When China’s Shenzhou-7 lifted off on the nation’s first spacewalk mission, when a Chinese left his footprint in the outer space, a new page was turned in the manned space development of China and the world.

Despite all these big moments, we are soberly aware that China is a country with 1.3 billion people. Though its total GDP is one of the highest in the world, it trails behind more than 100 countries in terms of per capita income. China is still a developing country where productivity remains low. China’s modernization is a daunting task and we still have a long way to go.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The year 2008 also means a lot to Rwanda and her people. It marks the 5th anniversary of the inauguration of H.E. Paul Kagame. And it also witnessed the smooth parliamentary election just concluded this month. Under the leadership of H.E. Paul Kagame, Rwanda now enjoys political stability, national unity, good governance and rapid economic growth. Surely, the nation will build on its present achievements and continue to transform the country into a middle income, service and knowledge-based economy in the near future. As a rising star in Africa, Rwanda has played and will continue to play a more important role in the East Africa and the Great Lakes region.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

China attaches importance to bilateral ties with Rwanda. I take great pleasure in noting that the relationship between China and Rwanda has grown significantly since the Beijing summit of China-Africa Cooperation Forum. We are here tonight to honor this strong relationship. We have had many successes in our joint efforts in the political, economic, cultural and educational spheres. I’d like to mention just a few achievements.

In the international arena, China and Rwanda support each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests. The government of Rwanda firmly supports China’s grand cause of peaceful reunification. We appreciate it very much. In the meantime, we endorse the efforts of Rwanda in safeguarding peace and stability in the region. Our economic cooperation and trade continue to expand with new enrichments. A new model of economic cooperation featuring mutual benefit, sustainable development and win-win is taking shape. Cultural exchanges between the two sides are frequent. Recently a Chinese Culture and Art Group performed at the FESPAD, while the National Ballet of Rwanda took part in the Olympic celebrations at the Night of Beijing last July. More Rwandan students and professionals go to China for study and various courses and people-to-people exchanges are closer.

What deserves to be highlighted here is that the government of Rwanda and people rendered the most valuable support that we needed during the devastating earthquake in China last May. Immediately following the disaster, H.E. Paul Kagame sent the message of condolence and the Government of Rwanda contributed 50,000 US dollars to China’s relief efforts. Here, I’ve got a little token of thanks. It carries our gratitude to our friends who lent us a helping hand when we were in need. We’ll treasure this friendship at the bottom of our heart and wish the friendship between our two nations longstanding. Now, Your Excellence Minister Museminari, I’d like you to have it.

Let me ask you to join me in a toast

to the 59th anniversary of the founding of New China,

to the prosperity and well-being of the people of Rwanda,

to the strengthening friendship between China and Rwanda,

and to the health of all the distinguished guests present!

Cheers!