Hu holds talks with Rwandan president, pledging to strengthen all-round exchanges

Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with visiting Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Monday, in which they vowed to pursue opportunities created by the China-Africa summit and boost bilateral ties.

During their talks in the Great Hall of the People, the two state leaders spoke highly of achievements in bilateral ties. Hu said the two countries enjoy even closer contacts since Kagame came to power, and cooperate in many areas.

Kagame singled out bilateral cooperation in trade, agriculture and infrastructure construction for special mention, adding his country is ready to cement cooperation with China in areas such as investment and communication.

The two presidents agreed to strengthen coordination in international affairs and within the China-Africa Cooperation Forum.

Kagame saluted China's support for Rwanda's social and economic development over the years, reiterating his government's firm adherence to the one-China policy.

In order to strengthen China-Rwanda all-round cooperation, Hu suggested the two sides reinforce high-level visits and promote cooperation in such fields as trade, investment, agriculture and infrastructure.

China will encourage capable firms to invest in Rwanda, Hu said, suggesting the two countries strengthen exchanges in culture, science, education, health and sports.

He stressed China attaches great importance to the implementation of the eight favorable policies towards Africa announced at the Beijing summit last year.

The Chinese president also welcomed Rwanda's participation in a China-Africa foreign ministers' political consultation session scheduled during the UN Assembly in September this year.

The two countries signed five cooperation documents following the talks, covering economic and technological cooperation, and Chinese aid to Rwanda in other areas.

The Chinese government is to provide anti-malaria medicine to Rwanda, and build two rural primary schools. China has also decided to cancel some debts owed by Rwanda, according to the documents.

These programs are concrete actions taken by China to implement the eight favorable policies towards Africa announced by Hu at last year's China-Africa summit.

The eight measures include the establishment of three to five trade and economic cooperation zones in Africa in the next three years, debt relief for African countries with diplomatic ties with China, and the building of 30 hospitals and 30 centers for malaria prevention and treatment.

This is Kagame's first state visit to China since taking office as Rwandan president. He will attend the opening ceremony of the annual board meeting of the African Development Bank in Shanghai on Wednesday.