The agreement was concluded in Beijing during a meeting between Rwanda's Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, and Admiral Dong Jun, China's Minister of National Defence, on the sidelines of the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum.
The 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, China's leading annual security and defence dialogue, is held at the Beijing International Convention Center from September 17 to 19.
This year's theme is 'Safeguarding the International Order and Promoting Peaceful Development Together.'
The forum brings together more than 1,800 participants, including government officials, military representatives, scholars, and observers from over 100 countries and international organizations.
Its programme features plenary and parallel sessions, high-level dialogues, youth seminars, closed-door academic meetings, exhibitions, and cultural exchanges designed to foster mutual understanding.
Discussions focus on safeguarding the legacy of the World Anti-Fascist War, defending the post-war international order, and exploring effective approaches to conflict resolution.
Speaking at the opening, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun reaffirmed China's commitment to world peace and welcomed all participants.
He emphasized the importance of dialogue, consultation, and consensus-building in safeguarding the international order and advancing global development.
Longstanding partnership
Rwanda and China share 76 years of diplomatic relations, characterized by close collaboration in various sectors. Economically, trade between the two nations reached a record US$670 million in 2024, with China maintaining its role as Rwanda's leading source of foreign direct investment.
Military cooperation has also grown steadily. In August 2024, Rwanda hosted a Chinese delegation led by Lt Gen Huang Xucong, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the PLA Central Theater Command.
The four-day visit included discussions with Minister Marizamunda and RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK Mubarakh, on ways to further strengthen ties between the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).
At the celebration of the 98th anniversary of the PLA on July 11, 2025, Maj Gen Alex Kagame, Chief of Staff of the Rwanda Reserve Force, praised China's contribution to RDF's professionalization and capacity building.
'I wish to reiterate that Rwanda's commitment deepens our cooperation and promotes mutual understanding. With that in mind, the upcoming signing of an MOU on defence cooperation will further strengthen our defence capabilities,' he said.
Over the past decade, more than 300 RDF officers have graduated from Chinese military institutions, with many more currently pursuing training in China.
Théophile Niyitegeka
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-china-sign-defence-cooperation-agreement
