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On the afternoon of Tuesday, July 29, 2025, President Paul Kagame officially received the letters of credence from Gao Wenqi, the newly appointed Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Rwanda.

Ambassador Gao arrived in Rwanda on June 27, 2025, and was received by officials from Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as well as staff from the Chinese Embassy. He succeeds Ambassador Wang Xuekun, who previously served in the same capacity.

Speaking at the presentation, Ambassador Gao Wenqi expressed his intention to prioritize strengthening cooperation between China and Rwanda. He emphasized that the deepening of bilateral relations will serve the mutual interests of both nations and their citizens.

The presentation of credentials by Ambassador Gao Wenqi comes at a time when China-Rwanda relations are at an all-time high. Over the past two decades, China has become one of Rwanda’s most significant development and trade partners. The two countries have cooperated extensively in infrastructure development, health, education, ICT, and agriculture.

Under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Rwanda has benefitted from major projects including roads, industrial parks, and vocational training centers. In recent years, Chinese investment in Rwanda’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and innovation hubs has also grown significantly.

Additionally, Rwanda continues to work closely with China on people-to-people exchange programs, scholarships, and joint efforts in peacekeeping and South-South cooperation.

Ambassador Gao’s mission is expected to further strengthen these ties, particularly in areas such as green development, digital economy, and manufacturing—sectors aligned with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 strategy.