Excellency the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China,

Excellencies Ministers,

Excellencies Ambassadors and Representatives of International Organizations,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to thank Ambassador H.E. SUN Shuzhong for having kindly extended to us an invitation to attend this very important ceremony when the People's Republic of China is celebrating the 59th anniversary of its Founding.

On behalf of the People and Government of Rwanda and on my own behalf, I would like to express our honor and gratitude in joining the People and Government of the People's Republic of China in this important celebration-- and to convey to them, through you Mister Ambassador, our best wishes prosperity.

The founding of the People's Republic of China on 30 September 1949 and the forging of the Chinese nation marked the beginning of an economically and politically powerful nation, an experience that should inspire us all.The very well organized and successful Olympic Games in Beijing last month are but one sign of that power.

Your Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we gather here tonight as friends of the People's Republic of China to celebrate the 59^th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, I would like to seize this opportunity to express appreciation for the excellent relations that exist between our two countries. The healthy nature of these relations is demonstrated by exchange of high level visits between the leaderships of our two countries.

We are also grateful for the steady support that the Chinese Government has consistently been providing to the Republic of Rwanda since the early phase of national reconstruction after the 1994 genocide. The People's Republic of China has been supporting, and continues to support Rwanda in the following areas: Health, Agriculture, Education and Capacity Building, and infrastructure. The Rwandan Government appreciates the support of the Government of China for the expansion of Kibungo Hospital, the construction and rehabilitation of the National Stadium, and the construction of useful roads in Kigali City. We are also grateful for the Chinese Government's support for the construction of the new building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation which will be inaugurated very soon.

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In the international arena, we appreciate China's determination in strengthening solidarity and cooperation with African Countries, demonstrated by regular exchanges of views, coordination of positions on major international and regional issues, and standing for mutual support on major stakes concerning state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity.

The launch in 2000, of the forum on China-Africa Cooperation has become an effective mechanism for collective dialogue and multilateral cooperation between China and Africa and has put in place an important framework for a new type of China-Africa partnership, featuring log-term stability, equality and mutual respect.

This further illustrates China's support to African Nations in their desire to become true equal partners in International Affairs.

The People and Government of Rwanda appreciate this solidarity and support which we hope will continue to grow for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Rwanda has for the last 14 years been fighting the legacy of genocide that continues to mar the collective psyche of the Rwandan people.

However, against all odds, the Rwandan people have courageously --and with determination, embarked on the road to reconstruction, reconciliation, and sustainable socio-economic development. We are working hard to overcome divisionism and intolerance that characterized our history at different times. We are slowly but surely laying a solid foundation for a sustainable socio-economic development process. We are happy to note that the People and the Government of the People's Republic of China have been supporting this endeavor.

Excellency Ambassador SUN Shuzhong,

Please permit me, on behalf of the People and Government of Rwanda, to express our gratitude to you for the close collaboration you have never ceased to demonstrate since your arrival in Rwanda.

Please also permit me once again to thank you for inviting us to this celebration.

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Before concluding my remarks, I would like to propose a toast in honor of the People's Republic of China and its Government on this important day in their history, and to request you, Mister Ambassador, to extend our best wishes to them.

Thank you very much.